Leaving the Past Behind

September 21, 2024 Saturday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Daily Readings:  Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13;  Mathew 9:9-13

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, also known as Levi, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is often recognized not only as a follower of Jesus but also as the author of the Gospel of Matthew. 

Walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus encounters Matthew sitting at his tax booth and calls him “Follow me,” and he responds immediately, leaving everything behind to follow Jesus. 

Tax collectors were seen as traitors, collaborating with the oppressive Roman Empire and often engaging in corrupt practices for personal gain. To call Mathew to be a disciple would have been shocking to those around Him. The mission of Jesus is to seek and save the lost. He does not look at Matthew’s past or his societal status; He sees potential, God-given worth, and the opportunity for transformation.

Matthew moves from a life of isolation and sin to become a part of the inner circle of Jesus’ followers. His life is transformed not just because he meets Jesus but because Jesus chooses him, despite his past.

Jesus is not just calling Matthew; He is calling each of us. He is asking us to leave behind our preconceived notions, our judgments, and our fears. He invites us into a relationship where mercy reigns and transformation is possible. 

How we engage with those who are marginalized? Are we creating spaces of welcome for those who feel excluded from the community of faith? Are we, too, willing to leave behind our comfort zones and prejudices in order to reach out in love and compassion?

Call to Action for Catholic Living:  Let us be instruments of grace and mercy, showing compassion to those who cross our paths, especially those who feel rejected or unloved. We are invited to reassess our own journeys, striving to mirror the love and grace that Jesus extended to all, regardless of their past. Amen.