Desire Mercy – Reflection on Matthew 9:9-13
I see myself in a crowd of many who still need a spiritual physician. Nevertheless, although not whole, we can act as a beacon for others. This may seem contradictory since we are still sinners. However, we are realistic examples of changing behavior even with mistakes because we are trying. Jesus, the physician, will help make us right, even if it takes time. To be the driving part of the process, we must step back from our worldliness and make ourselves available to the call from Him. His healing gifts lead us to the path toward purification so that we, like Jesus, desire mercy and compassion for ourselves and others. This way, we can rise up and out via a continuous correction process that helps us understand and empathize with our hearts. Since we want to be pure and not sinners, Jesus will be there urging us in whispers to become present for those in need. This circular pattern results in fewer opportunities for sin.
The Calling of Saint Matthew by James Tissot (full resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 9:9-13 – Scripture*
The Call of Matthew
9 As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
10 And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. 11 When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Additional Thoughts
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Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
*The Immersive Prayer website has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 9 passage.
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This Lectio Divina on Matthew 9:9-13 Reflection – Desire Mercy is in the Lectionary season of Ordinary Time.
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