13th Week in Ordinary Time : Friday 4th July 2025

It is not an exaggeration to say that every job or profession on the face of the earth exists to address a problem or need. And because the need or problem recurs or persists, the job continues to exist. It is the same with the salvific mission of God in that there would be no mission for the Son of God on earth if there is no problem. But there is a problem: that of sin and the imprisonment of the human spirit that it brings about.

Jesus’ calling of Matthew the tax collector was intended to show the world that everyone can be saved, including money-loving Jewish tax collectors. They are regarded as betrayers of the Jewish faith and community since they work for the Roman empire. People like Matthew would have led rich but lonely lives. Disowned by even his own family and loathed by all, they can only find comfort and commiseration amongst their own kind. This explains why many tax collectors came to the meal that Matthew hosted for Jesus and His disciples. The sanctimonious Pharisees were naturally scandalized by this company that Jesus was keeping but the Lord’s logic could not be rejected: the doctor has a job only among the sick, not the healthy. If Jesus wanted to stick only with those who are holy and sinless, He would just have stayed on in heaven and not be incarnated!

Lord, we are unworthy, yet You save us. As long as You desire, propel us in Your mission of mercy and compassion.