Homily (Reflection) for the Feast of Saint
Matthew, Ap. Evang. (21st September, 2018) 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 Jesus dinning and winning
with tax collectors and other sinners because they judged themselves righteous.
This pharisaic attitude continues till today. Many categorise themselves as
righteous under different names.
How can we explain passages like: “Surely there is not a
righteous man on earth who does good and never sins” (Eccl 7:20). Saint John also asserted, “If we say we have no sin, we
deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1Jn 1:8). Again, Jesus’ command to continually 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
worse than all and ask God to have mercy on me the worst sinner, cf. Lk 18:13. 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 the Evangelist – Pray
for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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May
God bless you all+
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