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.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013126.cfm Do Not Be Afraid To Go Deep. I Will Raise You Up. One early spring morning, I was fishing in Long Lake in
January 30, 2026, Mark 4:26-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013026.cfm Become What You Eat! I grew up in the Midwest, the corn belt of America. There was always
January 29, 2026, Mark 4:21-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012926.cfm Use It or Lose It! The craze for working out and keeping in shape is a huge industry.
January 24, 2024, Mark 4:1-20 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012424.cfm Life Is Not A Daydream. Suffering seems like such a waste of time and energy. It can be an
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
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Saturday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time,January 31, 2026, Mark 4:35-41
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013126.cfm Do Not Be Afraid To Go Deep. I Will Raise You Up. One early spring morning, I was fishing in Long Lake in
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
January 30, 2026, Mark 4:26-34 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/013026.cfm Become What You Eat! I grew up in the Midwest, the corn belt of America. There was always
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Thursday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time,
January 29, 2026, Mark 4:21-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012926.cfm Use It or Lose It! The craze for working out and keeping in shape is a huge industry.
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Wednesday, 3rd Week in Ordinary Time
January 24, 2024, Mark 4:1-20 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012424.cfm Life Is Not A Daydream. Suffering seems like such a waste of time and energy. It can be an
Categories
Send Us A Message