In the first reading today from Amos 8, the prophet speaks of a time when there would be a famine in the land. “Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the Lord.” His words would eventually come to pass. For many years, there was no prophet in the land, until the time of John the Baptist.
In the Gospel reading today from Matthew 9, we read about the call of Matthew. Matthew (his Jewish name was Levi) was a tax collector. They were hated by the Jews because they were considered traitors; in bed with the Romans. Jesus says to Matthew, “Follow me.” And he does. Then Jesus goes to a dinner at Matthew’s house. Many of the guests were tax collectors and sinners. When questioned about why He was hanging out with folks like this, Jesus replies, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do…I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Have you ever heard the old expression that the Church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners? So true! But just as Jesus said, He did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. To even begin the process of healing, we need to acknowledge that we are sinners. We have to admit that we need help. And then we have to ask for the courage and humility to accept that help. And when we do go to our Divine Physician, we can be assured that the cure is eternal!
Father, give us the grace to realize that we are not righteous, but sinners. That we need Jesus in our lives. May we accept His healing touch today. Amen.
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