While he was at table in his house,
Matthew 9:10
many tax collectors and sinners came
and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
Reflection
Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow him. Afterwards, he eats dinner at Matthew’s house with many other tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees question why Jesus does this, and he replies that the sick need a physician, not the well.
Jesus openly conversed and ate dinner with people who were considered sinners. He was not ashamed of them; in fact, he called the tax collector Matthew to become one of his close disciples. Do we invite sinners into our lives like Jesus did? It is good to surround ourselves with holy people, for that is how we can grow in holiness. But it is also good to be a light for those who do not know Christ.
Inviting those who aren’t Christian, aren’t practicing their faith, or simply don’t believe in God into our lives, even in the smallest of ways, reveals Christ’s love for them. Showing others how we live because of Jesus’ love and his teachings exposes them to the goodness and beauty of Christ. Will you invite the ‘tax collectors and sinners’ into your life? How is Jesus calling you to do so?
Saint of the Day
St. Elizabeth of Portugal: 1271 – 1336
“God made me queen so that I may serve others.”
St. Elizabeth (Queen of Portugal)
The Healing Word 