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

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