It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals whom He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
Gospel Challenge:
What can we learn from Jesus to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
November 11, 2024, Luke 17:20-25 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111424.cfm No Greater Love. I remember a movie about Mother Teresa of Calcutta, No Greater Love. Many times, she brought tears to
November 13, 2024, Luke 17:11-19 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111324.cfm Jesus heals us on our way. Once again, Jesus catches us off guard. Usually, he heals someone on the spot. But
November 12, 2024, Luke 17:7-10 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111224.cfm Serving when we don’t plan it. I can see the servant in the gospel wiping his brow, walking
November 11, 2024 Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, BishopDaily Bible Readings, Podcast Audio and Videos and Prayers brought to you by the United States
13th Week in Ordinary Time July 5, 2024
Fr. Rick’s Two Minute Homily for Friday, 13th Week in Ordinary Time
July 5, 2024, Matthew 9:9-13
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070524.cfm
He Sat with Them All and Didn’t Mind a Bit.
It is so easy to put individuals in a group and judge them because of some behavior or beliefs they hold. Unfortunately, this is so common in today’s culture. There is a lot of “I’m right, and you are wrong” going around. There is no end to the debates. It sure makes headlines in the news.
Jesus does something in today’s gospel that alarms his contemporaries and religious leader. First, he sits down at the table with tax collectors and sinners. What strikes me is that Matthew is the only sinner to follow Jesus. There is no mention of anyone else at the table following Jesus. Yet, he still sat and ate with them, an absolute taboo in that culture.
These sinners didn’t have to change for Jesus to be with them. He didn’t see them as a group who opposed Him and the gospel. Instead, he saw them as individuals whom He embraced and loved when he was with them. His mercy won over Matthew, the tax collector who even wrote a gospel for Jesus.
Gospel Challenge:
What can we learn from Jesus to bridge the gaps and heal the divisions in our country and world? Hint: One Matthew at a time.
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
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