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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.


Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

The calling of St. Matthew is one of my favorite stories, partly because I imagine that Matthew was watching Jesus and longing to join Him. I think about Matthew seeing miracles and hearing teachings that reach deep into his soul and touch him and stir up a faith that he might not wholly understand. But he probably wouldn’t have just started to follow Jesus since he was a tax collector, someone who was seen as a traitor by many Jews.

But Jesus isn’t there to show the righteous the way to God. Righteous people know that way. God became a human being to live and suffer with regular people and with people who struggle with their faith and with people who don’t know how to get to God. He came to save the sick from the disease in their souls. And, my friend, that includes each of us. When I feel like I’m not worthy of God, not a good enough Christian, not a good enough wife or mother, Jesus comes and sits at table with me. He looks me in the face and says, “You are good enough for Me to love. Follow Me and rest in that love.”

Matthew is a lot like all of us: We don’t fully comprehend God’s love and mercy. But just as He did for Matthew, Jesus calls us to Himself. He is love. He is mercy. And He is the Divine Physician who offers healing of the soul. He offers rest in the midst of our trials and our struggles. Listen as He says to you, “Come and follow Me.”

 

Ponder:

 

Are you struggling with resting in the love of Jesus? Do you somehow feel unworthy? Answer His call as Matthew did.

 

Pray:


Jesus, I know You are there, and I know You are love. Help me internalize that and rest in Your love and mercy.

 


Daily Gospel 2

 


Copyright 2024 Christine Johnson