Who can be healed?

July 7, Friday of the thirteenth week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: 1st Reading: Genesis 22:1b–19; Gospel; Matthew 9:1–8

Jesus is undoubtedly the wisest man ever. His words have meaning. Today's gospel contains one. Jesus called Matthew to his tax booth. Matthew enthusiastically followed him, leaving everything behind. Jesus and his disciples ate Matthew's magnificent sinners' and tax collectors' dinner. The Pharisees criticize Jesus. Jesus' statement is noteworthy. Jesus says, "Those who well do not need a physician, but those who are sick".

Jesus also says, “Go and learn what this means”. Who can be healed? Can a doctor heal all the sick people?  In no other way can a doctor meet all the sick people. To understand this, we can imagine a man with sickness. The sick man must have two things. First, he must accept that he is sick and needs a doctor.

The second requirement is that he be ready to receive the doctor's treatment. If he doesn’t accept that he is sick and always claims to be healthy, he cannot be taken to the doctor. Even if he visits the doctor out of necessity, he must be willing to accept the care he offers.

In Jesus’ society, everyone, including the pharisees, is sick and a sinner. But the difference lies here. Matthew accepted the fact that he was sick and in need of a physician’s touch. He is healed. On the other hand, the pharisees don’t accept the fact that they are sick and need Jesus’ touch. So, they were not healed and called.

Today too, Jesus is there as a physician who can heal us and who can forgive us. We need the openness to accept that we are sinners, and we need Jesus’ touch to get healed.