Friday of the
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Genesis 23:1-4.19.24:1-8.62-67; Matthew 9:9-13)
Building inspectors are often suspected of corruption
because of the nature of their profession.
They can overlook faulty wiring or missing fire alarms for a few dollars
under the table. For this reason they
may be considered like the tax collectors of Jesus’ time.
Today’s gospel affirms tax collectors’ dishonestly when
Jesus says that he has come to call sinners.
But its hidden and more important message is that the “man named
Matthew” is open to repentance. When the
Lord commands him to follow, Matthew jumps to the command. The action implies that he will forfeit any
unrighteous tendencies as he submits to Jesus’ instruction.
We must remember that we too are tax collectors of
sorts. By reason of a corrupted nature
all of us are given to taking dishonest money, illicit pleasure, or what have
you. Nevertheless, at the same time like
Matthew God has graced us with openness to truth and love. We learn from Jesus how to live out this new
way of grace.
