5 July 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections
ARE YOU READY TO RESPOND TO THE ‘CALL’?
First Reading: Amos 8: 4-6, 9-12
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119: 2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
Alleluia: Matthew 11: 28
Gospel: Matthew 9: 9-13
Today’s Gospel reading relates the call of Matthew, a tax collector. Jesus calls Matthew to follow Him. Later, he accepts hospitality in Matthew’s house and shares a table with Matthew’s usual crowd - tax collectors and sinners. In Jesus’ time, tax collectors were looked down upon by the Israelites; they were viewed as corrupt and unpatriotic because they served the Roman oppressors. Being despised in society, the tax collectors must have had low self-esteem. Imagine therefore the surprise and the joy on Matthew’s face when Jesus, with growing popularity as a respected teacher, called him to be his follower. Without a second thought, he got up and followed Jesus and thus began his transformation.
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The mission of Jesus is to bring people back to God. How can He accomplish His mission if He does not deal with people of different backgrounds? Jesus teaches people to love their neighbors whatever their background may be.
This is the 1529th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.
[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Jess Ferrer, Head of the CFC Migrants Program, as he brings us today's reflection.]
