Getting over the death of a loved one is tough. It helps to have others around us who can help ease the pain. We see this today in our first reading from Genesis. After Sarah’s death, Isaac was grieving for his mother. But God sent him Rebekah, and “In his love for her, Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah.”
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.
0 comments