HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE — YEAR B

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE — YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE CALL OF MATTHEW

BY: Bishop Gerald M. MUSA

Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13, Psalm 18:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13

Wise people say evil company corrupts good manners and bad friends will prevent you from having good friends. The scribes of the party of the Pharisees were scandalised when they saw Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners. Jesus said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick…For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Luke 9:12-13). By this statement, Jesus challenges our judgemental and exclusive approach toward sinners. Jesus associated with sinners out of love and not for any physical or material gain. The salvation of souls (salus animarum) was his primary mission. He says, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7).

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Jesus called Matthew and gave him an opportunity to open a new chapter in his life. The call of Matthew shows us that no sinner is too bad to be saved and no heart is too dirty to be cleansed. Jesus went to dine in Levi’s house and many sinners, weird people, and tax collectors came in to sit with him. St. Augustine admonishes us to be like Jesus by imbibing an attitude that makes us “Hate the sin and love the sinner.” This means we must not throw the bathwater and the baby. Do we have a friendly and compassionate attitude towards sinners and outcasts?

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