21 Sep
Tue
25th Week in Ordinary Time
St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Eph. 4:1-7,11-13
Ps. 18(19):2-3,4-5
Mt. 9:9-13
(Psalter proper)
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If, today, we were to draw up a list of criteria for Christian leadership and present them to Jesus, none of the apostles would have been chosen. Jesus simply went against the common thought and valuation of His time (as well as ours). The most unexpected are chosen, not because they have proven themselves worthy, but precisely because it is entirely God's prerogative in the matter. "I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners." What better example of this than in the case of Matthew. The call of Matthew, a tax collector, a collaborator of the hated Roman conquerors, a 'sinner' is an example of Jesus' gratuitous call of those ostensibly unworthy of discipleship. It is radical grace unfleshed in the radical demand to follow. Therefore Christian discipleship must never be seen as a privilege that is earned by our personal worthiness and capabilities. Rather, it is the result of a gratuitous call of God - a call made to both sinners and virtuous alike. And at the end of the day, can any of us ever claim to be wholly virtuous and righteous? The answer to this question must surely be in the negative.



Lord, we thank You for calling us to follow You on the Way, not because of any virtue, quality or personal achievement of ours, but precisely because of Your generous love.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work actively towards authentic social progress.
Elaboration

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