But
grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7
“Go
and learn the meaning of the words, I
desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but
sinners.”
Matthew 9:13
Piety
 |
| Caravaggio, The Call of St. Matthew |
The light basking on the hand of Jesus
reminds some of the hand of God on the Sistine Chapel. Jesus reaches out to call St. Matthew away
from his family, his work, his friends, his co-workers and his possessions. Matthew cannot even make eye contact with
Jesus at this critical moment he is lost in introspection. Will he stay or will he go?
Study
Matthew can see clearly…now. Maybe not always. However, the change is what Jesus emphasizes
with the disciples. Whether it is Peter
leaving behind his boats or Matthew leaving the tax rolls, they and all the
other disciples did indeed “follow” Jesus.
The learned Pharisees and scribes do not fully
grasp the person of Jesus. Their words
convey that limit when they ask, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors
and sinners?” They see Jesus ONLY as a
teacher, not as the Son of Man. They use
traditional Mosaic Law to evaluate Jesus and his actions. Eating
with sinners and tax collectors would require a ritual cleansing at
temple.
Just as people change, the law is changing,
too. The Hebrew Bible stressed
sacrifice. Jesus stresses love and mercy.
Action
With whom have you had dinner lately? Anyone scandalous? Any hookers?
Anyone working at the Department of the Treasury? Maybe one of those Catholic priests or
radical feminist nuns?
Break out of your routine and invite an
unusual guest to dinner.
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