‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’
Lk.5:30-32
Matthew has just responded to Jesus' call to follow Him. To honour Jesus Matthew holds a banquet, inviting all his friends who happen to be at the bottom end of the scale of piety. Jesus defends Matthew's choice of guests, even adding that they are the very ones He wants to eat with.
When I imagine this scene I see myself as one of Matthew's friends. A friend yes, but a friend with a limp, a friend in need of a doctor. I think I would like Matthew and be intrigued by his new-found joy. Matthew doesn't care that his friends aren't perfect. Having witnessed the holy virtue of Jesus, Matthew would be very aware of his friends imperfections, but he doesn't care. He invites them anyway. Why? Because he recognises in Jesus the antidote to imperfection, to sin, and he wants his friends to have that antidote. What a great friend!
Do I have that joyful zeal to share what I have found in Jesus with my friends?
Lord Jesus, thank you that You came for the sick, that You came for me. Help me invite others how are also limping through life to come and meet You. Even better, to come and eat with You.
Little Flower, please pray for me.
