Reflection
Today’s Gospel presents the call of Matthew the tax collector and reveals Jesus’ mission as the Messiah.
By all appearances, Matthew was an unlikely person to be chosen by Jesus to become one of His disciples. Matthew was living a comfortable life as a tax collector serving the Roman authorities. His wealth came at the expense of his fellow Jews.
What did Jesus see in Matthew that others did not see? Likely the same thing that Samuel saw when he chose David to be the future heir to the throne of Israel. Samuel bypassed the first seven sons and chose David, saying, "God looks at the heart and not at the appearance of a man." (1 Samuel 16:7). Matthew's heart must have yearned for God, even though he dared not show his face in a synagogue - the Jewish house of prayer and study of Torah. When Jesus saw Matthew sitting at his tax office Jesus spoke only two words - "follow me". Those two words changed Matthew from a self-serving profiteer to a God-serving apostle who would bring the treasures of God's kingdom to the poor and needy.
Why did Jesus not call Matthew at the same time as he called Peter and John and the rest? He came at a different time to call Matthew when he was assured that Matthew would surrender to his call. He who is acquainted with our inmost hearts and knows the secrets of our minds knows when each one of us is ready to respond fully. Therefore, He did not call them all together at the beginning, when Matthew was still in a hardened condition. Rather, only after countless miracles, after Jesus’ fame spread abroad, did He call Matthew. He knew Matthew had been softened for full responsiveness. Matthew was still a Jew, instilled with a longing for the promised Messiah.
Jesus calling Matthew to be a disciple and dining with him angered the Pharisees. Jesus’ response gave them an early indication His mission. Jesus came as a Divine Physician, to serve and to heal those who were outcast and unable to overcome their sins. While this mission was not what the Pharisees were looking for in a Messiah, it was exactly what God the Father desired. God desires mercy to be given those in need and mercy to be shown by those in power. It was this mercy that touched the heart and drove Matthew to follow Jesus. It is this same mercy that touches our hearts, filling us with the divine love to show mercy to others.
Today’s Questions for Prayer and Reflection:
Where is God calling you to be His agent of mercy? Whose heart is He calling you to change with divine love?
Source for today’s reflection: https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jul4