Matthew 9: 9-13 (Friday, September 21, 2007)

In today’s gospel, we see the call of Matthew. Jesus says to Matthew who is a tax collector, “follow me” and without questioning, Matthew stood up and followed him. Tax collectors were considered sinners and were not favorable people in the society. They were known for their cheating and exploitation of the people. Of all the people that Jesus could have called, he decided to call Matthew, a sinner. He will later do greater works with Matthew. In this encounter with the living Lord, Matthew knew the time has come for him to give up his dirty carry and follow Jesus. Matthew could not have followed any rabbi that called upon him to become his follower but they was something special about Jesus that the moment Jesus called him, he knew his time has come to become the person God has called him to be. Sometimes we let our sinfulness or our sins of the past overweigh us that we fail to accept the present invitation Jesus Christ is making to us. Jesus invites us today to leave our past alone and come to him, so that he will transform us and use us to accomplish great works.

Prayer:
Lord, I come before you repenting of all my sins. I know have failed in the past to do your will. I have lied, cheated and exploited other people. Forgive me Lord and use me as you will.