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 He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
What can we learn from Jesus that will bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
March 21, 2026, John 7: 40-53 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032126.cfm We Know It All As we prepare to leave the Mass and return home, let’s reflect on the
March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm I will open your graves. I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a
March 19, 2026, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm Someone gave me the book *Consecration to St. Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father* (Fr. Donald
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 07-01-2022
Friday 13th Week in Ordinary Time 2022
Matthew 9:9-13 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070122.cfm
HE SAT WITH THEM ALL AND DIDN’T MIND IT 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 He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
What can we learn from Jesus that will bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
IGNITE THE FIRE!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
or .
Share:
More Posts
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Saturday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 21, 2026, John 7: 40-53 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032126.cfm We Know It All As we prepare to leave the Mass and return home, let’s reflect on the
Father Rick’s Two Minute Homily for 5th Sunday in Lent A
March 22, 2026, John 11:3-7;20-27;33b-45 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032226.cfm I will open your graves. I once heard a TV commentator say, “The difference between a rut and a
Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for The Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
March 19, 2026, Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031926.cfm Someone gave me the book *Consecration to St. Joseph, The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father* (Fr. Donald
Father Rick’s One Minute Homily for Wednesday, the 4th Week in Lent
March 18, 2026, John 5:17-30 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031826.cfm Do Nothing On Your Own. Jesus explained that He only does what He sees the Father doing, showing
Categories
Send Us A Message