Our Venerable Father David of Thessalonica (c. 530); Passing into Eternal Life (1941) of Blessed Mykola (Nicholas) Konrad, Pastor of Stradch, Founder of “Obnova,” Professor of the Lviv Theological Academy, and Martyr; Passing into Eternal Life (1941) of Blessed Volodymyr Pryjma, Cantor of Stradch and Martyr; Passing into Eternal Life (1941) of Blessed Andrii Ishchak, Pastor of Sykhiv, Professor of the Lviv Theological Academy, and Martyr
Romans 8:14-21; Matthew 9:9-13
Apostles’ Fast.
Read Matthew 9:9-13
In our gospel reading today we see two radically different responses to sin. St. Matthew, relating his calling, retells it in the middle of two chapters of healings. Indeed, this call can be understood as a healing of sorts. As a tax collector, St. Matthew was part of a group of people absolutely hated by his fellow countrymen. During the course of this unhappy work of Matthew, Christ calls him and he “rises” and follows Him. More than a simple healing, the word Matthew chooses is the same as Resurrection! We see the results of this amazing healing clearly as well. In response to Christ’s call, Matthew throws Him a dinner party to introduce Him to all his former sinful co-workers.
Compare this to the response of the Pharisees, who question Jesus’ morals by associating with sinners! Christ’s quotation from the Old Testament is very pointed in that it underscores the fact that the Pharisees are not following the Law, but a more strict set of rules that they themselves have imposed. One person is forgiven and wants desperately to share the treasure he has found, another group of people will not interact with those who they suspect of sin!
How do we respond to sinners brothers and sisters? Do we begin our judgement with ourselves? Are we eager to seek and offer forgiveness and introduce others to the Lord? Let us rejoice in the miracle of the Sacrament of Confession and show the fruits of this repentance by loving and serving others!