Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Ferial
Liturgical Colour: Green
Table of the Word
First Reading: Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67
Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13
Theme: I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.
Reflection
Today being Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time of the year, the summary of the Liturgy of the Word could rightly be extracted from the gospel pericope, as it captures some elements from the first reading.
In the light of this, that I wish to reflect with you on the theme: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." a theme which has a penitential character and an invitation borne out of God's unfathomable love and mercy. That is why the two readings offer a profound meditation on God’s providence, human response, and divine mercy. From the quiet faith of Abraham seeking a burial place and a bride for his son - an extract from the first reading (cf. Genesis 23:1–4, 19; 24:1–8, 62–67); to the shocking call of Matthew the tax collector (cf. Matthew 9:9–13), we are therefore invited to reflect on God’s ongoing mission to redeem, call, and transform even the most unlikely people.
In our day-to-day living experience, we encounter set backs, pains and all sorts of challenging situations; amidst this God's hand is always ready to hold us provided we make sincere effort. The effort here is the acknowledgment of God's working power among us, like Matthew the tax collector who having acknowledging Christ as a Messiah who can redeem him opened his door to Him. We too ought to open the door of our hearts to Him not considering our shortcomings for He has said it all: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice." He called Matthew not out of holiness but in his imperfection to perfect the defect in him.
On another note, the Psalmist presents before us a plea for help from God: “Remember me, O Lord, as you favour your people.” This cry for mercy echoes the Gospel message where God's mercy reaches the sinner like Matthew following human calculation not just the righteous. In answer to this plea, Christ calls him with a simple but life-changing invitation: “Follow me.” And he gets up and follows Him with a radical break from his former life.
Today, this invitation is being delivered at the door of our hearts, for God sees us different from human perspective. No wonder
St. Bede the Venerable one of the patristics comments: “Jesus saw Matthew not merely in the flesh, but with eyes of mercy.” (cf. Homily on the Gospel).
To buttress this, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:
Jesus' call to conversion continues in the life of the Church: “It is a continuing task for the whole Church... to call sinners to conversion and to celebrate God’s mercy” (CCC 1429).
Finally, the mercy, love and peace were at the centre of Christ's public ministry. Thus, coming with an invitation for us to embrace same and spread it to wherever man is found. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those willing to hear His voice and follow. Matthew the tax collector becomes Matthew the Apostle. The same call reaches us today: “Follow Me.” Let us respond with generous hearts, embracing a life of conversion, mercy, and mission.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 04072025
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