Saturday, February 21, 2026

Open All Hours

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Lk.5:29

Matthew's first act after committing his life to Jesus was to host a party. Jesus didn't "regretfully decline" the invitation. He turned up and joined in.

This event has a wonderful parallel with another tax collector, Zacchaeus. Again the tax collector joyfully welcomes Jesus into his home while the pious onlookers complain. There's a common theme here. The "sick" knew their need for the healer and welcomed him. The self righteous complained. 

When I've got a tooth ache, all I can think about is the dentist.  When my teeth are OK, the dentist is the last person I think of. I feel pity for those sitting in the waiting room, maybe even a bit judgmental. They should have cared for their teeth better.

The truth is, I'm constantly in need of the divine physician. And if I'm not a patient at the moment then I should be a stretcher bearer for others. The surgery is open all hours. There's no place for complaining bystanders in heaven.

Saint Matthew, please pray for me.



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