The Word: "'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration of the day: Ferial
Table of the Word: I R.: Amos 8:4-6.9-12
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 119:2.10.20.30.40.131 (R. Mt 4:4)
Verse before the Gospel: Matthew 11:28
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13
Inspiration: The unfathomable love of God goes beyond human calculation and understanding. This attribute of His set man aglow in Spirit as it defines the salvific mission of Christ.
In today's iiturgy of the Word, the first reading reminded us of the consequences of treating others unjustly (cf. Amos 8:4-6.9-12). While the gospel pericope on the other hand reechoed the mission of our Lord as Messiah and Redeemer whose coming was to reconcile humanity with Divinity despite his failings (Matthew 9:9-13).
However, we are being invited to follow Him no matter our weaknesses or failings as the Scripture in many instances give account of many who were called out of their emptiness to fullness in God.
In the light of this, that I wish to share with you some of the instances or events where God calls to equip not minding the weakness and emptiness.
- Exodus 3 and 4:12: God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, equipping him with miraculous powers and speech despite his stutter.
- Judges 6:15: God calls Gideon, the weakest in his family, to deliver Israel from the Midianites, whittling down his army from 32,000 to 300 men.
- Jeremiah 1:6-7: God calls Jeremiah to be a prophet despite his youth, charging him to speak God's commands without excuse.
- Matthew 4:19: Jesus equips ordinary fishermen to become "fishers of men."
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 and 15:10: God chooses the weak and foolish to confound the strong and wise, using Paul's ministry as an example.
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13: God chooses David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be king over Israel.
- 2 Corinthians 3:5 and 12:9-10: God equips believers for service, using Paul's ministry as an example of dependence on God.
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17: God equips believers for service, giving them courage to step out in faith.
Beloved in Christ, in consideration of this we cannot but come to the understanding that God's love is beyond human telling. In the aboved instances we must have seen ourselves in any of the pictures. Let us therefore be disposed with docility of heart to allow God to use us. It is in doing this that we can be truly disciples of Christ, and thus responding to the call as Matthew did in the gospel pericope "Come, follow me..." Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Eternal Word, we are grateful to You for the many blessings we receive. Grant us we pray the grace to be docile and open to the promptings of the Spirit so that we may with love follow You without reservation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
© The ARCHIVE 05072024
No comments:
Post a Comment