Guess Who Came to Dinner?

~~~ Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 ~~~ Psalm 106 ~~~ Matthew 9:9-13 ~~~

 

 “Follow me.”

Today we are given another example of someone

 chosen by Jesus to follow him...

Matthew was a despised tax collector. Tax collectors are rarely

looked upon kindly.

This is one more example of Jesus calling without judging.

The who witnessed this invitation were quick to judge.

Matthew not only got up and left his job;

he also immediately welcomed Jesus into his home.

They shared a meal together along with some friends of Matthew.

Understandably, Matthew's friends were in the same

if not similar occupation.

Matthew means gift of God.

Matthew brought the gift of God to his friends and co-workers.

 

Jesus now has the opportunity to touch the lives

of those who come to dinner.

Those who come by invitation from Matthew.

Jesus now had several others he could influence with his kindness.

Jesus did not judge those who came to dinner that day, but others did.

This is true today as well, Jesus accepts all who come to him

even if they were invited by someone else.

 

This is what evangelization is all about...

we are called to invite others to follow Jesus.

 

In the midst of criticism, Jesus makes a profound proclamation.

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do...

It may be true that those who are well do not need a physician,

 but those who are well need to maintain their health.

We have the Eucharist to help us maintain the health of our soul.

We have the sacrament of reconciliation

 to maintain the health of our heart.

 

 

...Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

 

We have a merciful and just God.

A God slow to anger.

When you come to know God you also come to understand

 his mercy and forgiveness.

No matter how many times we fail; Jesus is always willing

to forgive us and take us back into his loving care.

Jesus came for us...we are among those he calls sinners.

 

When Jesus comes to dine in your heart do as Matthew did...

invite your friends to join with you at table.

If they come to know you they will surely also come to know Jesus.

 

Jesus accepted Matthew's invitation to dine with him in his home.

He came to witness God's acceptance and mercy.

Matthew quickly responded to the direct call of Jesus.

When you are being called to follow Jesus there is no confusion...

 

Jesus often used parables to teach his point of view,

but when he calls his disciples it is not in the context of a story.

Jesus uses few words when he calls you to follow him.

All we need do is respond affirmatively.

 

Blessings found in the call and in the dinner invitation.

Our Blessings come in reaching out to others. 

 

“The only difference between saints and sinners

is that every saint has a past while every sinner has a future. ”

Oscar Wilde