Thirteenth Friday of Ordinary Time

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

God desires mercy, not sacrifice. It’s much easier to give things up out of our surplus of time, talents, or treasures than to forgive those who trespass against and persecute us. However, being merciful toward all is exactly what God expects from us. After all, it is what he offers to all His children and we should not pretend that our pride is more important than God’s Justice. If anyone has a reason to condemn us, it is God because of how we treat Him and His children. We choose sin over virtue, pleasures over righteousness, and our fears over trust in Him. Thankfully, He does not condemn us without giving us every chance to answer His call to reconciliation. All we have to do is accept His Mercy and then pour it out upon those in most need of it.

Are we merciful? Are we willing to forgive those who trespass against us? How can we become physicians of souls and not judges of sinners?

O Lord, we will follow in your footsteps and be merciful to all your children.

Amen.