It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals whom He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
Gospel Challenge:
What can we learn from Jesus to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
April 29, 2026, John 12:44-50 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042926.cfm The Light Changes Everything The world is full of darkness. Just turn on the news, and we see the
April 28, 2026, John 10:22-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042826.cfm Sharing My Heart with Jesus. Who are your closest friends? We exchange ideas with acquaintances, but our best friends
April 27, 2026, John 10:11-18 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042726.cfm What is Most Important! The Lord, in His Providence, has entrusted us with someone to care for and nurture.
March 15, 2026, John 4:1-41 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031526.cfm Out of Sight, Out of Touch I was with my sister Bev while she was working on crossword puzzles.
13th Week in Ordinary Time July 5, 2024
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time
July 5, 2024, Matthew 9:9-13
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070524.cfm
He Sat with Them All and Didn’t Mind a Bit.
It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals whom He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
Gospel Challenge:
What can we learn from Jesus to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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