Friday of the
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Amos 8:4-6.9-12; Matthew 9:9-13)
Of all the symbols of freedom and justice in the United
States none seems to capture the imagination like the Statute of Liberty. Standing on an island in New York harbor, the
image of a strong and lovely woman with a torch in her hand held high certainly
has lifted the hopes of millions of poor immigrants. They have sought no more than opportunity
which the country based on law and animated by civic affection provided.
Today’s gospel shows Jesus in a similar way calling not
the wealthy and the righteous but tax collectors and sinners. He too provides opportunity – his life-giving
love – for them to begin anew. By all
means they will have to forfeit their larcenies, but they have already a cogent
reason to do so in the fellowship they have with the Lord.
Today we Americans should toast out country. Only fools would deny its greatness in
spawning not just wealth to millions but, more importantly, a spirit of
generosity and cooperation. Of course,
we also thank God for His blessings on our forefathers and mothers who first
came to this land. Likewise, we entreat the
Lord that the gifts so bounteously bestowed will not be squandered out of
selfishness and individualism.
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