Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 5, 2024

Date: Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mt 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading recounts Jesus’ call of Matthew to be a disciple. The first thing we note is Matthew’s immediate response, the immediate change in his life. The second thing we note is Pharisees’ fault finding of Jesus and desire for exclusion of those most in need. Finally, we note Jesus’ response of mercy for sinners.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I respond immediately to Jesus’ call? Do I exclude others I deem “unworthy”? Am I honest in admitting that I need the LORD’s mercy as much as anyone else?

Praying:

LORD, without You, I would not exist. Without your merciful love, I could not live. Grant that I may heed your call, that I may leave my ways to follow as your disciple. Fill my mind and heart with your transformative love and make of me a sign to others of what is possible with You, in You, and through You. Amen.