The significance of Jesus' eating with Sinners and Tax Collectors

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*St Mathew, Apostle and Evangelist : Feast*

*Ordinary Season : 25th Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9–13*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1–7, 11–13*

*The significance of Jesus' eating with Sinners and Tax Collectors*

*1) The Identity of Tax Collectors and Sinners*

The Tax collectors were seen as traitors to their  own nations because they were collecting taxes from their own people and giving to Romans 

They were considered unclean people because of their occupation, that is collecting money

The tax collectors were known for cheating their own people by collecting more than required, padding their own pockets in the process. That is why they were hated by Jews

The tax collectors were the most despised individuals in Israel – men deemed lower than the Herodians and even Roman soldiers, and ones regarded on the same level as harlots and prostitutes.

Sinners were also dispised and were considered unclean people 

Finally they were not eligible for the Salvation according to Jewish understanding

*2) Significance of Eating together*

Eating is not mere sharing of the Food with another. It means much more. It has deeper meanings 

*Generosity of the Person who serves the meal 

*Humility on the part of the one who receives it 

*Its an occasion to know each other and to build new friendships 

*It is an gesture of accepting the other as he/she is 

*It is an act of identifying oneself with another 

*It is an act of trying to understand the other person 

*It is a stepping stone to begin a new relationship

*3) Jesus' Eating with Tax Collectors and Sinners*

It Shows the openness and acceptance on the Part of God to accept the sinners and tax collectors

It shows that God is one with the Sinners and tax collectors 

Jesus became very close to the sinners and tax collectors

It became an opportunity to meet them, to talk to them and to convey the message of the Kingdom of God

Finally, eating with the sinners and tax collectors were the occasion to change the people from their evil ways. 

It was aimed at conversion of the Heart and Mind 

*4) Jesus Eats with us everyday*

We have a privilege of eating with Jesus everyday

Eucharist is the Lords meal in which we participate and eat everyday

So Jesus becomes very close to us and Jesus should become very close to us 

The purpose of this  meal is to have a deeper conversion of Heart and Mind to become genuine disciples of Jesus 

*5) My participation in the Meal*

It is very important to reflect about our participation in the meal. 

How does it effect to my life? 

Is there any effect after having participated in this Eucharistic meal? 

What is the significance of this meal in my life?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*