Compelling Call

 

 Matthew 9: 9-13

Jesus Calls Matthew

⁹ As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.

¹⁰ And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. ¹¹ And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” ¹² But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. ¹³ Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

"The  Chosen", an excellent series TV series on the life of Jesus, depicts Matthew as a young "outcast" due to his role as tax collector, yet one who leaves his collection desk to follow Jesus with all his heart and means.  It was a slow process that had been building within Matthew until the command moved him to take this dramatic step. In this era of a dirth of vocations to the priesthood and religious life, don't we wish there were more Matthews awaiting a simple, FOLLOW ME?  Could some of the readers of this slice of Daily Bread be a Matthew just waiting for the call? Let us pray that future Matthews hear and answer the call with hearts as generous as his.

Bro Rene

“Follow me.” Lord, you spoke two simple words and they changed Matthew’s life forever. You speak those same words to each one of us “Follow me” and our response changes our lives forever. Thank you for inviting us to follow you. Like Matthew, the tax collector, help us know our own “sickness” and thus our great need for you. Help us to know our need for your mercy which you give to us freely and without reservation. We pray this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Rev. Joseph Corpora, C.S.C.