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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.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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He said to him, “Follow me.”
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Saint Matthew had some idea of who Jesus was the day he called him. By then, talk was circulating around town about Jesus, the miracle worker.
It seemed understandable that when Jesus invited Matthew to follow him, he’d jump at the chance. He must’ve felt special; chosen.
But Matthew had no idea what answering that call with mean: that he’d help change the world; that his heart would be transformed; that he’d see Jesus raised from the dead; or that he’d bring the Gospel to Ethiopia, where he’d eventually be martyred.
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All he knew that day was this: Jesus of Nazareth was there, calling him by name.
It’s all Matthew needed to know. Perhaps all he could handle.
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I’m sure looking back over our lives, there were times when we would’ve leapt for joy if we knew our future, and others when we would’ve shrieked in fear.
The same may be true if we knew what was in store for us tomorrow or the day after.
But our focus should always be on those words we often pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” God only gives us what we can handle, one day at a time.
Maybe begin this day with one hope: that, whatever is in store, God may be glorified.
Saint Matthew, pray for us.
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Image credits: (1) In the Beginning, WordPress (2) The Calling of St. Matthew, Caravaggio (3) didyouknowfacts.com