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Sunday 6/8): "Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office" Scripture: Matthew 9:9-13 9 As Jesus went from there, He saw a man called Matthew. Matthew was sitting at his work gathering taxes. Jesus said to him, "Follow Me." Matthew got up and followed Jesus. 10 Jesus ate in Matthew's house. Many men who gathered taxes and many who were sinners came to Matthew's house and sat down with Jesus and His followers. 11 The proud religious law-keepers saw this. They said to the followers of Jesus, "Why does your Teacher eat with men who gather taxes and with sinners?" 12 Jesus heard them and said, "People who are well do not need a doctor. 13 But go and understand these words, 'I want loving-kindness and not a gift to be given.' (Hosea 6:6) For I have not come to call good people. I have come to call those who are sinners." Meditation: Jesus’ defense for associating with outcasts and needy people was quite simple. He likened his ministry to that of a town physician who paid house visits to those who were sick, rather than those who were well. Jesus came to seek out those with the greatest need. Unfortunately, the orthodox of Jesus' day were so preoccupied with their own practice of religion that they neglected to help the very people who needed their care. Their religion was selfish because they didn’t want to have anything to do with people not like themselves. Jesus stated his mission in unequivocal terms: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. Ironically the orthodox were as needy as those they despised. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Just as a true physician seeks healing of the whole person – body, mind, and spirit, Jesus, likewise, offers wholeness of life to all who need God's mercy. Jesus not only heals, but he restores and transforms us and gives us new life in his Holy Spirit. The Lord comes to each of us every day and he gazes into our hearts to see if we are ready to receive his life-giving word and healing love. Do you trust in the Lord's healing power and grace? And are you ready to share God's love and mercy with those around you who need his saving help? Prayer: "Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself." (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430) Psalm 50:1,8,12-15
1
The Powerful One, God, the Lord, has spoken. And He
calls the earth from where the sun rises to where the
sun goes down. 8 I do not speak
sharp words to you for your gifts given on an altar. And
your burnt gifts are always before Me.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you. For
the world is Mine, and all that is in it.
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