The attitude of Jesus towards sinners and the Tax Collectors

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirteenth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9-13*

*First Reading : Am 8:4-6, 9-12*

*The attitude of Jesus towards sinners and the Tax Collectors*

*1) The situation of the Tax Collectors and Sinners*

In Jesus' time, there was nobody more hated than tax collectors 

They were also known as publicans

Jews considered them as  traitors. Because they cheated, stole, and extorted people while collecting the taxes for Romams

So in this context it is easy to see why they didn't get many dinner invites.

They were considered great  sinners and Jews believed that they are not eligible for salvation

*2) Jesus' attitude towards them*

Jesus' attitude was one of welcoming and being with them 

Jews could never think of such a thing from Jesus, since Jesus was a Jew 

Jesus not only went to their place but also to their houses and participated with the meal 

This shows that Jesus loved the sinners in order to show them the right way 

*3) Dinner at Matthew's House*

After Jesus called Matthew, He invited Jesus to his house for a dinner 

Jesus along with his disciples went to the house of Matthew

Along with them there were many tax collectors and sinners came to participate in the meal 

So the meal at Matthew's house united the tax collectors and the sinners to Jesus 

It became a great opportunity for all of them to come together

*4) Speciality of the meals*

It brought  eveyone together

It bring God and sinners together

It brought a great change in the sinners and tax collectors

It brought a new insight into the narrow hearts and minds of the Jews 

It gave opportunity to experience the love of Jesus towards them 

It gave opportunity for Jesus to communicate the good news of the Kingdom of God 

*5) Eucharist a Great meal*

The dinner at Matthew's place could be seen a the first Eucharist celebrated by Jesus 

All the things which happen during the Eucharistic celebration, happened at the house of Matthew when Jesus participated in the dinner organised by Matthew

The breaking of the Word of God and meal aspect, both were present in Matthews house

As sinners we have a great opportunity to dine with Jesus during every Eucharistic celebration

*6) Jesus Invites us*

As a merciful saviour Jesus always welcomes us to dine with him in a joyful way 

Jesus said *No* to no one. All those who came to him, he accommodated them and allowed them to experience his mercy 

No one is denied the sacrament of reconciliation

No  one is denied from experiencing the mercy of Jesus 

*7) Our Response*

Like those sinners and tax collectors we need to go to Jesus

Jesus is ever ready to welcome us, provided we go to him 

Unless we go, nothing will change 

All who go and participate in the meal, which is nothing but the Eucharist, will have great joy and eligible for great rewards in heaven

So what is my attitude? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*