Matthew 9:9-13 NRSVue
9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
10And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with Jesus and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Lord, I used to think religion was a matter of keeping the rules. But when
you walked this earth, you preferred to mix with those who had broken the
rules – not because they broke the rules, but because their hearts were
open and humble. Dare I say that I can be grateful for my sins? They are
carriers of grace.
Reflection
It was unusual for a Rabbi or religious person to dine with sinners or the
poor. Some religious people found it difficult that Jesus went among the
people everyone else thought were sinners. Jesus himself had no difficulty
with that. He went to Matthew’s house and both enjoyed his host’s company
and ate with his guests. All he wanted was that the very good religious
people would know their need of his healing and mercy too. He knew that
unless they knew their own weakness, they would never know the love of the
Father. He tried a homely example that you don’t go to the doctor unless
you are sick, nor to any health-care person unless you need help. We are all
like that - people in need.
Reflection
Jesus desires the merciful heart, a heart like his. Mercy covers over sin and
faults; is sees beyond what a person does to who a person is. All of us need
the mercy of God for sins and faults and failings. We need also the mercy of
each other. We can sacrifice people on the table of mockery, sarcasm or
backbiting. Prayer can help us be merciful in word and in deed.
Reflection
As God helps me to look honestly at my life, I realise how much I am in need
of help. I am not disheartened because Jesus reminds me that he is most
present to those who know their need.
Reflection
People did not expect the tax collectors to be called to be religious
disciples. I think of my talents and aptitudes and wonder again how Jesus is
calling to life.
Reflection
As I move through this day, I quietly consider how Jesus wants to call all
those around me. If I do not understand why, it is because I do not see what
Jesus sees.