2 Jul
Fri
13th Week in Ordinary Time
Am. 8:4-6,9-12
Ps. 118(119): 2,10,20,30,40,131
Mt. 9:9-13
(Ps Wk I)
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As a tax collector Matthew was a most unlikely disciple of Jesus. Tax collectors were among the most despised group of people in Jewish society of the time, collecting taxes for the hated and pagan Roman rulers. As such they were seen as traitors to their own people and to their religion. Yet here we have Jesus inviting one of these despised people to be his follower. It is an example of Jesus looking beyond the exterior and the stereotype to the potential of the real person inside. Immediately after this Jesus is seen sitting having dinner with his disciples when they are joined by a number of tax collectors and other public sinners. (Who else could Matthew invite to celebrate his new life?) And indeed some Pharisees, seeing this, were shocked. "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?" If Jesus is a man of God and a teacher, how can he be seen in the company of people who are religiously unclean? To be in their company is to become contaminated and unclean also. The problem, of course, is not of Jesus becoming contaminated by the sinful and the unclean but rather their becoming healed by his presence and influence. Is it not true that a great deal of our pastoral energies in our churches are directed at the already converted? Is it not true that those most in need of experiencing Christ's love and healing are never touched by us?



Lord, help us to reach out to those who have been forgotten by society, especially the marginalized people.

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 elections in every nation may be carried out with justice, transparency and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.
Elaboration

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