ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST : Wednesday 21st September 2022

Who would you consider a “sinner”? Someone who was into erroneous teachings, with a common-law wife and an illegitimate son, like Augustine of Hippo? Someone who was a slave-ship captain (human trafficking) and a rapist, like John Newton? Someone corrupt, like Matthew?

If Bishop Ambrose of Milan did not reach out to Augustine; if God did not answer the desperate prayer of John Newton, who was caught in a severe storm at sea; and if Jesus did not reach out to Matthew; then many people would not have come to faith in Jesus Christ through them. Augustine became a great defender and preacher of the Gospel; John became an Anglican priest and wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace”; and Matthew became Jesus’ disciple and wrote the Gospel.

What was Jesus’ tag line for today’s Gospel Reading? “I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.” (v 13). Jesus reached out to “sinners”. He “was at dinner” with “tax collectors and sinners” (v 10). When was the last time we reached out to “sinners”?

When was the last time we had a meal with “sinners”. How can we reach out positively to the “sick” and the “sinners” in our everyday life?

Lord, help us to discern and recognise the rejects, the marginalised, the oppressed, the discriminated, the neglected, and the forgotten in our everyday life. And help us courageously and magnanimously reach out to them with Your mercy, love and compassion.