Do you have a Special Calling?

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Through our baptism, all Christians are called to follow Christ. But in some cases, we can receive an additional calling for a specific purpose (e.g., to be a priest or a nun or to be a lay minister). In today’s Gospel reading (Matthew 9:9-13), Matthew, the tax collector, receives such a calling to follow Jesus and “he rose and followed him.” Jesus extends these special graces to us and we must respond. It is Jesus who calls us, not us Jesus: “You did not choose me, but I chose you” (John 15:16). What is most special about Matthew’s response is that it is immediate. Matthew does not delay, does not procrastinate. He hears the calling of Jesus and immediately gets up and follows him without delay. Is Jesus calling you to a special calling? Are you avoiding this call? It is okay to be afraid, but refusing the call is selfish. Tomorrow may be too late. Jesus calls us from the comfort of our ordinary lives to do extraordinary things. Listen to his calling and respond; he will take care of you.

Given that Jesus called Matthew for such a special role, one would assume that Matthew was one of the “good guys”. But instead Matthew was a sinner. In the days of Christ, tax collectors such as Matthew were corrupt people who stole and robbed from the general population. They would not have been high on the list of “ideal fiends” list. They would have the same general reputation as an Enron Executive or organized crime member. The Pharisees were appalled that Jesus would actually sit and talk, let alone eat with such people. The Pharisees were hard core Orthodox Jews who boasted about following every letter of the Law. They considered themselves most righteous and would not socialize or do business with people such as Matthew. This would be like us going and sitting with one of the street gangs and having dinner with them. But Jesus responds: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I desire mercy, more than sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus has come to save us - the sinners. Jesus tells us “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1). “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7). The fact is, we are all sinners. None of us are pure of heart; none of us are without sin. Therefore, we should not be surprised when a fellow Christian sins. All of us are capable of committing the most violent of sins, but for the grace of God we do not lower ourselves to the level of the beasts.

We are called to recognized and accept that we are sinners. We must accept that we fail and that we fall down. Jesus came and died on the cross to save us from our sins. On the cross, he forgave the murderer who was crucified beside him. He too will forgive us if we seek his forgiveness. Jesus says that “I desire mercy more than sacrifice.” He wants us to seek and desire forgiveness. Our sacrifices must come from our hearts and not from some prescribed menu of punishment. Christ is all merciful and all forgiving. There is nothing we can do to divorce ourselves from God love. We just need to open our souls to receive it.

A Simple Prayer "Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself.” (From the prayer of St. Augustine)

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon