Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of
Saint Matthew, Ap. Evan (21st September, 2016) on the Gospel and the
Feast
Eph 4:1-7.11-13;
Ps 18:2-5. (R. v. 5);Matt 9:9-13.
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, is believed to be same as Levi recorded by Mark and
Luke, cf. Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was
son of Alphaeus, cf. Mk 2:14.
Matthew was a tax collector, cf. Matt
9:9; Mk 2:14; Lk 5:27. He was listed among the apostles, cf. Matt 10:3; Mk 3:18; Lk 6:15; Acts 1:13.
Matthew wrote one of the gospels and is the patron Saint of Accountants, Actors,
Bankers, Bookkeepers, Tax collectors, and Taxi Drivers.
Topic: Really well?
Jesus saw Matthew in today’s gospel sitting at the tax booth
and said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed Him. At a dinner in his
house, Jesus sat among many tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees
complained against it.
They complained against Jesus’ attitude towards tax
collectors and other sinners because they judged themselves righteous. This pharisaic
attitude continues till today. Many categorised themselves as righteous under
different names.
How does one explain passages like: “Surely there is not a
righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccl 7:20). Again, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us” (1Jn 1:8).
And we continue to pray for the forgiveness of our sins, cf. Matt 6:12; Lk 11:4.
Jesus replied them in part, “Those who are well have no need
of a physician, but those who are sick.” By implication, those with pharisaic
mentality do not look for Jesus. It requires great humility to admit one’s faults.
Anyone who cannot admit his/her sins cannot pray, cf. Lk 18:9-14.
One’s inability to acknowledge his/her sinfulness retains one’s
guilt, cf. Jn 9:41. Like the Jews, many
who read the bible refused to come to Jesus to have life, cf. Jn 5:39-40. Jesus does not cast out anyone
who comes to Him, cf. Jn 6:37.
Matthew followed Jesus when He called him because he acknowledged
he was a sinner. And Paul judged himself the worst of sinners, 1Tim 1:15. I confess that I am truly the
worst sinner. What about you?
Bible Reading: 1Jn 1:5-10.
Thought for today: Who are you?
Let us pray: God, be merciful to me a sinner –
Amen (cf. Lk 18:13).
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
– Pray for us.
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