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for July 5, 2024

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07-05-2024 Matthew 9 V-0913 The Mission of Mercy Matthew’s Call

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The Book of Matthew 9 v- 9 thru 13

9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. 10 While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. 11 The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. 13 Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Matthew 9:9-13 is a significant passage in the New Testament that highlights the transformative power of Jesus' call and His mission of mercy. The narrative begins with Jesus encountering Matthew, a tax collector, who is sitting at his tax booth. Tax collectors during this time were often despised by their fellow Jews for collaborating with the Roman authorities and for their reputation of exploiting people for financial gain. Despite this, Jesus sees Matthew not for his social status or his sins, but for his potential to be a disciple. Jesus simply says, "Follow me," and Matthew immediately rises and follows Him, leaving behind his former life.

This act of Jesus calling someone from such a marginalized and disliked profession underscores His message that the kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their past. It also demonstrates the power of Jesus' presence and words to inspire immediate and profound change in one's life. The narrative continues with Jesus dining at Matthew's house, where many tax collectors and sinners joined them. This action provokes criticism from the Pharisees, who question why Jesus would associate with such people. In response, Jesus delivers a profound teaching, saying, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Jesus' response highlights several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes His mission to seek out and save those who are lost and in need of spiritual healing. Secondly, it underscores the importance of mercy over ritualistic sacrifice, reflecting the heart of God’s desire for compassionate action over mere religious observance. Lastly, it challenges the self-righteous attitudes of the Pharisees, inviting them to understand the true nature of God's kingdom. Matthew 9:9-13 not only narrates the calling of Matthew but also encapsulates the essence of Jesus' ministry—a ministry marked by grace, inclusivity, and a profound call to mercy. Amen.

Join me as we pray our daily prayer of forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer.

At the Savior's command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil, graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

I am sorry Lord. I believe You died and rose for me. Please forgive me as I forgive others. I share You as my Lord and Savior seeking to live your Will in all things. Prayers for wife Toni and my mother Betty pray for our children especially our two oldest Alexandra & Allen Son in Law Mark Stern; Julian, Gabriel and Jeffrey and our grandchildren Oliver, Julian and Elliott. We pray for those we’ve said we’d pray for and those who’ve asked us to pray for them. We pray for the dying as we do each day Lord give them peace in their last breath. We pray for Holy Mother Church. Our prayers for our niece Brittany. In Jesus Precious Blood by His Name we pray. Amen.

I am a poet obedient to Christ,
Catholic Evangelist Thomas Cruz†Wiggins

Practice. Pray. Proclaim. ®
†Spirit led God inspired Christ fed†®
Ephesians 6:17-20

07-05-2024 Matthew 9 v-0913

**The Mission of Mercy Matthew’s Call**

By the shores of Galilee,

Where the waters gently lay,

A tax collector named Matthew,

Sat in the light of day.

Coins clinked in his hands,

A life measured in gold,

But in the heart of Matthew,

A different story told.

Then Jesus walked by,

With a gaze so divine,

"Follow me," He whispered,

"Leave this life behind."

Matthew rose without a word,

Left the table, left the gain,

For the call of the Savior,

Was worth any earthly pain.

At the table of sinners,

Where the outcasts recline,

Jesus joined with compassion,

Sharing bread and wine.

Pharisees murmured,

With hearts cold and narrow,

"Why dine with these sinners,

Why stoop so low like a sparrow?"

But Jesus answered softly,

With a voice so clear,

"The healthy don't need healing,

It's the sick who draw near."

"For I desire mercy,

Not your sacrifice,

I came to call the sinners,

To open blinded eyes."

So Matthew followed the Teacher,

With a heart full of grace,

Found in the love of Jesus,

His true and rightful place. Amen.

© Thomas Joe Cruz†Wiggins

July 5, 2024 @ 05:41 AM EST

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