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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

I did not come to call the righteous

Opinion

I did not come to call the righteous

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

The apostle Matthew is believed to be the author of the first Gospel, although it is possible that another Matthew could have written it. His name means “gift of the Lord.”

After healing a paralytic in Capernaum, Jesus calls Matthew to follow him. He responds immediately. He leaves his post as tax collector at the customs office.

Matthew must have invited Jesus for a dinner in his house along with many tax collectors and sinners. This creates a reaction among the Pharisees who ask Jesus’ disciples why their teacher eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners. They do not realize that his mission is to heal the sick, to show mercy, and to call sinners. He has come to forgive and to bring them back to God.

Truly, Matthew is “gift of the Lord” to us, sinners. Can we always be gifts of God to others? Does our Church welcome sinners or hold them in contempt?

Gospel • 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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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