Readings
I - Eph. 4: 1 - 7, 11-13
II - Mt. 9: 9 - 13
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus and the evangelist. Matthew was a tax collector for the Romans and therefore he was considered as a traitor by his countrymen. The tax collectors always earned the hatred of the common people because they always collected more than that was levied by the Romans and so there were financially rich. The tax collectors were considered as sinners, outcasts and scum of the Jewish society. The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person Jesus extends his invitation to follow him. The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector and followed the Lord. He has recorded the life of Jesus in his Gospel and has presented Jesus as the Promised One of God and the fulfillment of the Law and Prophesies. To the Pharisees who criticised Jesus for calling Matthew, Jesus reponded saying, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick……For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners”.
The guilt feeling that arises on account of sin is the powerful weapon of the evil one that prevents us from approaching the throne of God. Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”. From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus. Matthew was shrewd to capture the set look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appealing words of Jesus. Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13). He is the Good Shepherd that leaves the ninety nine in search of the one that is lost (Lk. 15: 1-7). “God does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord knows that we are weak and fragile. Let us allow and yield ourselves unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. No more feeling of guilt or unworthiness but repentance and a will to change. May St. Matthew help us for repentance and transformation to capture the gaze and the words of Jesus.
