Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time

July 4, 2025, Matthew 9:9-13

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070425.cfm 

He Sat with Them All and Didn’t Mind a Bit. 

It is easy to categorize individuals into groups and judge them based on specific behaviors 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 shocks his contemporaries and the religious leaders. He sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What’s striking is that Matthew is not the only sinner to follow Jesus. Notice, too, that 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