FRIDAY, THIRTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Gn 23:1-4,19, 24:1-8,62-67 Ps 106: 1-5 Mt 9: 9-13
FAITHFUL ADHERENCE TO GOD’S WILL
The Book of Genesis narrates how the Lord made an everlasting covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation. Abraham, on his part, held fast to this divine word, allowing it to shape every decision. Therefore, when Sarah died, his first act of faithfulness was securing a burial place in Canaan – this becomes the first tangible sign of his claim to the Promised Land. Later, when arranging Isaac’s marriage, Abraham refused to let his son leave the land of blessing, trusting that God would provide a wife from among their own people. And indeed, through divine providence, Rebecca was brought to Isaac. Abraham’s unwavering faith teaches us that when we hold fast to God’s promises, He orchestrates every detail for our good.
Similarly, in today’s Gospel, we witness another radical response to God’s call. Matthew, a wealthy tax collector despised by his people, heard Jesus’ simple command: “Follow Me.” Without hesitation, he left behind his riches and status to become a disciple. In return, Jesus, defying societal convention and the scorn of the Jewish leaders, dined with sinners, offering not condemnation but friendship and redemption. This mirrors God’s heart: He seeks out the lost, not to shame them, but to restore them.
God’s voice still calls to us, just as it did to Abraham and Matthew. He invites us to release our attachments to worldly security and embrace His higher purpose. The question is: Do we hear Him? Are we willing to respond with the same immediacy and trust? Jesus assures us that those who follow Him will experience divine fellowship: “If anyone hears My word and keeps it, We will come to him and make Our home with him” (Jn. 14:23). Let us, then, hold fast to God’s promises as Abraham did, and respond to Christ’s call as Matthew did, with radical obedience. For in surrender, we find true blessing; in faithfulness, we inherit His eternal promises, in obedience, we are saved.
Response: O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
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