Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 21, 2024

Date: Feast of St. Matthew

Scripture Text:  Matthew 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:

The gospel text for today, taken from the Gospel of Matthew, recounts Jesus’ call of Matthew, a tax collector. Association with tax collectors and known “sinners” was considered to taboo because it resulted in ritual impurity. But Jesus, aware of the judgment of religious authorities, pushed back, saying that he came to call “sinners.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I open to the Call of Christ to follow Him?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Redeemer, You came into this world as our human brother and You selflessly gave your life so that we might have life and have it in abundance. You opened our minds through your words to the wonder of the Father’s love and will for us. You are “the Way, and the Truth, and the Life.” You taught us how to live the life we are created to live through your words and example. And You did all this for us knowing we are sinners; You did all this for us because we are sinners who need salvation. Send your Spirit to open our minds, our hearts, our whole being to your call. Grant that we may hear your calls and follow. Amen.