FRIDAY HOMILY OF 13TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
FRIDAY HOMILY OF 13TH WEEK OF ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: ACCEPTING OUR FAULT IN ORDER TO BE PROGRESSIVE
BY: Fr. Isaac Awe
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Psalm 118(119):2, 20, 30, 40, 50, 131; Matthew 9:9-13
Do we know God’s mercy and do we treat our neighbour with mercy?
At our daily masses, during the penitential rite, we do say, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault and at the same time beating our chest” which implies the acknowledgement of our misconducts either consciously or unconsciously. We only visit the hospital if and only if we are sick. Meanwhile in our world today, many are sick but pride won’t allow them to accept until it goes beyond their capacity.
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Matthew was an outcast, a Jew who served the financial arm of the Roman empire that occupied Palestine. He was probably aware that in many ways he had betrayed his people and made accommodations with the pagan culture that held them in subjection. Still, when Jesus called, Matthew left everything behind and followed him (Matthew 9:9)
It was Matthew’s awareness of his condition that enabled him to respond so readily to the lord. Matthew knew he was sinful: He was probably reminded of it every day as he endured the scornful looks and bitter words that his own people directed at him and his form of livelihood. Perhaps he also followed the common practice among tax collectors of over charging his clients and keeping the extra money for himself (Luke 3:12-13). Whatever the case, Matthew knew he needed a Saviour.
Let us imagine Matthew’s hope and joy when he heard Jesus say, “Those who are well have nonneed of s physician, but those who are sick… For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 9:12,13). This is God’s wonder, He calls us even when we are swimming in sins. Matthew knew he was spiritually sick and in great need.
When Matthew realized his mistakes, he forsook his cherished possessions and ideas and followed Jesus. The same can also be true of us. If we ask him, the Holy spirit will not only show us our sin, he will speak words of comfort and hope to us, calling us to Jesus, our great healer. Do we thank the Lord for the great mercy he has shown to us? And do we seek the good of all our neighbours and show them mercy and kindness?
Reflection: I came not to call the righteous, but to call sinners. (Matthew 9:12)
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you came to redeem and heal the sinful. By your spirit, may we experience your work in our lives and learn to follow you. Amen
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