I Did Not Come to Call the Righteous but Sinners

Saturday, 21 September 2024. Readings: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13

“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

The call of Matthew, the tax collector, is a classic example of how no one is useless before God. Many looked at Matthew and could only see in him a sinner because, in collecting taxes, the tax master always kept his share. However, God looked at Matthew and saw a man who would become a great apostle. God saw in him one who would become an evangelist, a gospel writer and a reference point for the world to understand Jesus.

- Man’s opinion about you may be damaging, but God’s opinion matters. The name people call you is an identity; it does not define your essence. The fact that people are laughing at you or insulting you does not make you a loser. Let God have the last word.

- God relates with us based on our potential and not our past. We should, therefore, not allow the past to prevent us from responding to God’s call from within. You may be looking down on yourself based on your past errors and sins, but God still sees you as He created you; you are still good. Your potential for goodness is greater than any evil you have done.

- In Luke 8:1-3 (yesterday’s Gospel), Luke tells us about the women who provided for Jesus and His disciples. These women, like Matthew, did not enjoy a great reputation in society. Again, like the woman who visited Jesus in the Pharisee’s house with her alabaster flask of ointment, Jesus forgave their sins, healed them of their infirmities, freed them from evil spirits and transformed them into sacred vessels for God’s kingdom.

- We all possess some inherent goodness. Even as a Tax Collector, Matthew had unique gifts for the ministry. One problem Christians often face is competing with one another rather than collaborating to build up God’s kingdom on earth. God has blessed us with various gifts to let our light shine so that “men may see our good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (cf. Matthew 5:16). God has not blessed us to outshine one another.

- “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 the unity of the faith.” Wherever we find ourselves, 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 4:3-6).

- Pride goes before a fall. To those who felt scandalised seeing Jesus eat with Matthew and his fellow tax collectors, Jesus said: “I have not come to call the righteous (hypocrites who think they are perfect) but sinners.” Later, Jesus would say to these self-righteous folks: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)

- Examine yourself before judging or condemning anyone. You might need to remove the log in your eye before helping to remove the speck in someone’s eye. Regarding the economic crises in our land, there is a tendency to point fingers at our leaders, but as long as we fail to repent ourselves, our problems will only worsen.

- Finally, we celebrate Matthew today not as a tax collector but as an evangelist. Matthew contributed his quota to the spread of the Gospel by preaching to Christ in the East. Let us imbibe Jesus' attitude by ministering to sinners rather than condemning them.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, as you called Matthew, may we become instruments in your hands. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist - Feast. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu