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.
February 5, 2026, Mark 6:7-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020526.cfm Ignite the Fire in Each Other. During the difficult initial months of the pandemic, our parish staff experienced a
Mark 6:1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020426.cfm Faith’s Struggles. It’s important to remember that we’re not alone in our struggles. Many who are serious about their relationship with God
Mark 5:21-43 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020326.cfm Never Give UP. The more challenging life gets, the better we get, or do we? I had two operations in my second
February 2, 2026, Luke 2:22-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020226.cfm Faith’s Struggles. Tom Brady, an NFL quarterback and now analyst, took his time to make an important decision. The
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
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