Daily Reflections - July 5,2013

LEAVE YOUR BOOTH

 

Have you ever experienced times when you see someone you would rather not and then avoid them at all costs? These are the people who get on your nerves, the “too hard to handle” type of characters. They are the ones who always seem to be around when you least expect it and when you least like it. It happens to me, occasionally, in the mall.

       The tax collectors were like this. They were the type of people to be avoided at all costs. They did not only want your money; they were seen as corrupt, traitors and, most of all, sinners, according to the religious. Meet Matthew, a tax collector, in the Gospel account today. The text reminds me of a statue of Matthew which I have come across in one of my parish assignments. The image is very tall, seven feet, and striking to the eye. Matthew’s coins are trampled underfoot while holding the book of the Gospel. He is a tax collector turned evangelist, and he has amazing stories on the life of Jesus. He himself experienced the call of the Lord and became one of His loyal followers.

       Matthew is quick to leave his booth and follow Jesus. Having been touched by Jesus’ loving kindness, he shows his depth of gratitude by putting on a feast. The Pharisees notice Jesus attending the feast with a whole crowd of sinners, including tax collectors, and begin to question his accountability. Jesus is quick in His response: “I have come to call the sick, not the healthy.” Since the Pharisees believe they are virtuous, they think they are in no need of His mercy, when in fact they are most in need of it. Jesus is quite comfortable to fellowship with the outcasts, unlike ourselves! Perhaps Jesus is trying to convince us that we must reach out — extremely challenging! We need to reach out to those least liked in our community. Let us begin to show mercy and acceptance to them. Jesus  Himself has shown us the way. Let us return to Him and follow Him, leaving our booths of comfort. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Is Jesus challenging you to reach out to the lonely, the rejected or those less fortunate?

 

Lord, help me to leave my comfort zone so as to follow You. Amen.