The Call of St. Matthew and The Call For All Sinners

The Call of St. Matthew and . . .

I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, . . .

. . . but the sinners. Jesus speaks these words in today’s Gospel. The Pharisees ask Jesus why He eats with tax collectors and sinners. And Jesus then says those words.

To believe in the mercy of God, is to believe that the Lord will draw near to the sinner. To believe that the Lord will forgive, requires a belief that the Lord will not push the sinner away. This is the contradiction that the Pharisees celebrate in their hearts. They recognize the kindness and faithfulness of the Lord. But that kindness is in an exclusionary way. The Pharisees believe it is for me . . . and the chosen people . . . but not for the sinners. Hear more within the Homily.

The Lord says, the one who needs Me, is the sinner. I will draw near to them. Jesus uses a curious example to make His point. The healthy do not need a physician. But the sick do. Note the implication. Hear more within the Homily.

. . . The Call For All Sinners

In the early part of Lent, we hear this Gospel of the call of Matthew (also known as Levi). We hear about his call to discipleship. This Gospel does not focus so much on his discipleship, but rather the focus is on the sick. Hear more within the Homily.

The Lord moves to the custom house and draws near to Levi. Jesus comes looking for him. Just like He comes looking for us individually, before we move to Him. Hear more about The Call of Matthew and how we should take heed of this example.

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