Tarsish Marak csc –
Readings: Eph 4:1-7,11-13; Mt 9:9-13
“As a prisoner for the lord, then I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”(Eph 4:1). This is exactly what St. Matthew did, living a worthy life following his calling. As a tax collector, he collected more than what was expected and as an apostle and evangelist, he zealously proclaims the good news. As a tax collector he stores up material goods for himself and as an apostle, he shed his blood so that others will come to know of the good news. As a tax collector, he was despised by all and was hated by society but as an apostle, he witnessed Christ through his martyrdom and endeared by the followers of Christ.
Dear friends, we all have the potential to be good and achieve great things; however, we tend to point out the weaknesses of others. We, ourselves do not want to grow and do not allow others to grow, this is the mentality we carry in this present time. We know that we are sinners, but if we repent, we can embrace the exemplary life of Matthew. Matthew knew that he did not do what is righteous in the sight of God however he chose not to remain a sinner.
He transforms himself totally and renews his spirit and responded to righteous life and lives honestly. Yes, Jesus says, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners”. When we allow Jesus to touch our lives, we cannot remain as we are. So let us allow Jesus to come into our life, we pray that this gospel and the life of St. Matthew be an example for us to Christ and we can do and achieve great things in our lives.