DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

FRIDAY OF THE 13th WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (C)

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

Text: Amos 8:4-6.9-12; Matthew 9:9-13

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

Theme: He desires mercy...

It has been part of the Divine plan to redeem humanity from shackles of total damnation after the great fall of our first parents. God has a special love for nan, to the extent of making him His caretaker - that is overseeing every other creatures in creation. 

In the light of this that, Evangelist Mathew gave an account of Christ's messianic mission of reconciling humanity with the Divinity. 

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)

His encounter with Mathew reminds us of the beautiness of God's love and mercy. Thus, seeking for the lost sheep in Matthew as the tax collector attracted the attention of Pharisees. They have already knew who was a sinner and who was not. They built a wall against others whom through their judgement are not righteous. 

Hence,  "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" They asked the disciples. Their conclusion already had a fault premise in that, they knew nothing about the messianic mission of our Lord.

Beloved in Christ, God sees us deeper than we see ourselves. That is why in encountering Matthew, a new specie of life was created. This is to inform our wailing minds that, God is more interested in us, more than we are in Him. No matter how awkward our relationship with God and one another is, let us make amends and trust in God, He will make us anew creature in Him. 

Finally, we are left with these Words:

"I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13). Then go and learn what this means says the Lord.

Peace, be with you.

Let us pray

Almighty and everliving God, Your Words are always alive and active in our lives. It heals the sick and comforts the distress. We beseech Thee, O! Lord to grant us the grace of sincerity and docility to Your detects and commandments, so that we may see you face - to - face as You really are. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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