As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him”
- Matthew 9:9
September 21st is the day we celebrate the life and the Gospel of the man sitting at that tax booth, St. Matthew. It is hard to overemphasize how much the tax collectors were hated. They were collecting taxes for the Roman oppressor and known for keeping some of the money for themselves. But Jesus wasn’t looking for angels; he was asking all, including notorious sinners, to follow him and dine with him, and meals were a most sacred time.
The Pharisees didn’t get it and complained. What they needed to understand—what we need to understand—is that Jesus calls all of us, even those we think are sinners, even those we disagree with the most! In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to “seek and serve Christ in all people.” If we truly try to do that, we will find a way to appreciate those “others.” And maybe we will better appreciate the Christ in ourselves, and like, Matthew, follow in the way. Like Matthew we will probably have a lot of growing to do, but we will be on the right path.
Musical Reflection MIserere mei, Deus - Allegri
Lord, help us to know that, as Jesus called Matthew while still a sinner, he calls each of us to follow in the way. Amen.
