Bible
Study: Ephesians 4, 1 to 7, 11 to 13 and Matthew 9, 9
to 13.
The call of
Matthew, the tax collector is a classic example of the fact that before God, no
one is absolutely useless. Many looked at Matthew and saw in him an ordinary
tax collector and thereby a sinner because it was common knowledge that in the
business of collecting taxes, the tax-master always kept his own share. But God
looked at Matthew and saw in him a man who would not only become a great apostle
but the very man to write one of the Gospels that would be used for thousands
of thousands of years to come to preach and talk about Jesus.
God
relates with us based on our potentials and not on our past. We should therefore
not allow the past prevent us from responding to God’s call from within.
We all
have been called to various apostolates and equipped with various gifts and
talents, but then, the fact that we have been given different gifts does not
necessarily mean that God wants us all to open new churches.
As St.
Paul says in the first reading, the various gifts we have been given are to be
used for the collective growth of the body of Christ in UNITY. Ephesians 4, 11
to 13 says: “And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets,
some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work
of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the
unity of the faith.” In this same passage, St. Paul says: we must be “eager to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Because “there is one
body and one Spirit, … one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all. Ephesians 4, 3
to 6.
Furthermore,
the call of Matthew challenges us never to become puffed up by pride concerning
our state of life. It is not in our place to judge or condemn people but to
strive live in a manner worthy of our calling.
Rather than
condemn people, let us have the same mind that Jesus had towards them. First he
loved them, he accepted them, he ate and drank with them, he ministered to
their needs, he preached the truth to them, and carried them gently till he won
their hearts over. Have you ever attempted to save a sinner before?
Let us
pray:
Lord
Jesus, just as you called Matthew, may I be an instrument in your hands in
winning hearts and minds closer to you everyday. Amen.
Good evening.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. Happy new week.
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