WEEK SEVEN: PREPARATION AND THE CALL OF THE DISCIPLES - DAY 6
"MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Prayer on Matthew 9: 9-10: The Call of Matthew: "As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples." [Please read Matthew 9: 9-13 for a better appreciation of the passage].
Read the Reflection; then pray using Matthew 9: 9-13; ask for an intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely (#104)
Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish community because they raised taxes from their own people for the Roman rulers. In the gospels, therefore, they are lumped together with sinners, as "tax collectors and sinners" (Matthew 9: 10; 11). Many of them extorted more than the required amount which they kept for themselves. Some tax collectors wanted to change their lives and become disciples of Jesus, such as Zacchaeus. Others, who were dishonest, came into contact with Jesus, and changed their ways once and for all. There are a number of instances where we are told that Jesus welcomed the company of tax collectors because He wanted to bring them the good news that salvation was possible through repentance and acceptance of Him as their Savior. Matthew was one of them, and Jesus called him to be His apostle. And after his choice, they expressed their gratitude and joy through a meal. It is not clear whether the meal was held in Jesus' home or Matthew's. The secret to changing a sinner's heart is compassionate love and hope. A sinner becomes capable of living and acting like a saint when his or her heart has been moved powerfully by God's love and compassion. Matthew was such a sinner become saint."
This morning, I just sat at the table and enjoyed the company of Jesus. There was laughter and warmth in His presence.
(Sometimes in our prayer life we experience dryness, it seems like there is nothing there. During these times we are not to back away but to engage deeper with prayer or fasting or maybe a penance. I am in one of these times but I have been here before and easily recognize it. Keep each other in prayer as you move closer to God, He is doing great things)
What is God saying to you? This too shall pass, keep on course.
Dear Lord, Bless this day and all it has to offer. Amen.
Mary, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey.
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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