Readings:
Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13
Psalm 19:2-5
Matthew 9:9-13
No one is so lost, no one is so distant, no one is so far away from God that He cannot bring them back. This is the life summary of the Apostle, Saint Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector, one who was written off by everyone else, because he aligned himself with the Romans who were the colonisers of the Jews. And his work for them was to exert tax from his own people. For this, he was considered a sinner, a saboteur and an outcast. In many ways, we too are outcasts. We have cut ourselves off from the communion of God’s faithful people through sin. Sometimes, we wear these labels proudly. Why? Because we identify with people who, to our mind, are “real”. We become proud of this company because they wear their actions on their sleeves and are proud of their struggles—they behave the way they want to behave, whether it is right or wrong. To our mind that is freedom.
Jesus meets Matthew who had everything going for him—he was rich and he was enjoying the free life. And Jesus says to him, “Follow Me”. For a moment, Matthew’s life flashed before Him and his wealth and connections became meaningless. On the day of reckoning, you have to give an account for how you have lived your life (Romans 14:12). And if your life falls short of the standard of the God who created you, then it would have been a wasted life. Matthew had a moment to think and assess his life and then chose to follow Jesus. Sometimes, we lack the courage. May the Holy Spirit intercede for us, so that we can step away from a life of sin and embrace the freedom of the children of God.
Matthew followed Jesus and introduced his fellow tax collectors to Him. Jesus shared a meal with them. This is not because Jesus approved of their way of life. He knew that in order to reach people, you have to understand their world and the situation around them and then enter into dialogue with them. Dialogue creates openness, builds trust and strengthens us to make the right choices. To the objection of the Pharisees, Jesus says: “It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12).
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to admit my sins and bring them to You in confession.
Lord, help me to overcome my struggle with sin.
Lord, help me to break away from sinful company and occasions.
Lord, fill me with deep sorrow for my sins.
Lord, teach me what I must do to assist those struggling with sin.
Lord, I trust in Your mercy and I shall not be put to shame. Amen.
May the Lord grant me the courage to walk away from sin and embrace freedom, in Jesus' name. Amen.
May God grant me the grace and courage to walk away from sin and from everything hindering my progress and fill me with joy, peace and prosperity in Jesus' name. Amen.
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