Along with the Person of Matthew, Jesus saw many other things in Matthew

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week - Tuesday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 9:9–13*

*First Reading -  Eph 4:1–7, 11–13*

*Feast of St Matthew the Evangelist*

*Along with the Person of Matthew, Jesus saw many other things in Matthew*

*1) It was Jesus who saw Matthew*

The Gospel very clearly states  that, *As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post*

Here the seeing of Jesus or the gaze of Jesus  towards Matthew is very important

This gaze was not an ordinary gaze, but a gaze with a divine power which changed the life of Matthew 

Jesus not only saw the person of Matthew from external standards, but he saw many other things in him

*2) The various things which Jesus saw in Matthew*

A) Jesus saw a hidden self in Matthew, which was ready to change his life. 

B) Jesus saw a Humble person in Matthew, which enabled him to follow the Master immediately

C) Jesus saw an Evangelist in Matthew, who would later write the Entire life History of Jesus : The Gospel of Matthew 

D) Jesus saw a person in Matthew who would welcome Him, in his house and dine with Him 

E) Jesus saw an opportunity through the life of Matthew to meet the tax collectors and sinners and to eat with them 

F) Jesus saw a faithful person who would sacrifice everything for the sake of the Master.

G) Jesus also saw in Him a great preacher and an apostle in him 

*3) Mere seeing of Jesus is not sufficient*

Seeing should be a two way communication. As Jesus saw Matthew, Matthew also responded to the gaze of Jesus 

He also willingly gave green signal to the divine gaze of Jesus. That was the greatness of Matthew. 

We also have an episode of the Rich Young man, to whom also Jesus saw, but he didn't respond well to the gaze of Jesus. That's why finally he went away sad. So responding to the gaze of Jesus is very important

*4) Jesus sees many things in me too*

We have been given a different mission. Either religious or lay faithful we have been called by the Lord for a specific mission 

Before He called us He has seen us, not only that He has seen many other good things in me

He might have seen a good and caring father or mother in me 

He might have seen a forgiving person in me 

He might have seen a person who is responsible, faithful and hardworking for the family 

He might have seen a person who is humble in nature and ready to serve and sacrifice at any moment 

He might have seen a person who will preach His mission through ones life witnessing and Kingdom values

He might have seen in me a person who is ready to change for the better 

He might have seen in me a person who is generous, caring and loving 

*5) What has happened to these above areas in my Life?*

Jesus saw many things in Matthew and Matthew responded well. Therefore he became an effective instrument in the hands of Jesus 

The same Jesus also has seen many good things in my life. But the question is what was my response? 

Have I responded positively or not? 

Have I ignored the divine gaze of the Lord, like that of Rich  Young man? 

Or have I responded to the divine gaze of Jesus, like that of Matthew.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*