Contemplating today's Gospel
Today's Gospel + homily (in 300 words)
Abraham had now reached a ripe old age, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. Abraham said to the senior servant of his household, who had charge of all his possessions: «Put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not procure a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live, but that you will go to my own land and to my kindred to get a wife for my son Isaac». The servant asked him: «What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Should I then take your son back to the land from which you migrated?». «Never take my son back there for any reason», Abraham told him. The Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father's house and the land of my kin, and who confirmed by oath the promise he then made to me, ‘I will give this land to your descendants’, he will send his messenger before you, and you will obtain a wife for my son there. If the woman is unwilling to follow you, you will be released from this oath. But never take my son back there!».
A long time later, Isaac went to live in the region of the Negeb. One day toward evening he went out in the field, and as he looked around, he noticed that camels were approaching. Rebekah, too, was looking about, and when she saw him, she alighted from her camel and asked the servant, «Who is the man out there, walking through the fields toward us?». «That is my master», replied the servant. Then she covered herself with her veil. The servant recounted to Isaac all the things he had done. Then Isaac took Rebekah into his tent; he married her, and thus she became his wife. In his love for her, Isaac found solace after the death of his mother Sarah.
Blessed are they who observe what is right, who do always what is just. Remember us, o Lord, as you favor your people.
Visit me with your saving help, that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones, rejoice in the joy of your people, and glory with your inheritance.
”Follow me”
Fr. Pere CAMPANYÀ i Ribó (Barcelona, Spain)Today, the Gospel speaks to us of a vocation, that of Matthew the publican. Jesus is preparing a small group of disciples that would continue his work of Salvation. And He chooses whom He wants: whether fishermen or from humble professions. He even calls to follow him, a tax collector, a highly abhorred role by the Jews —who considered themselves as perfect Law-abiding citizens—, because they saw it as tantamount to having a sinful life, as they collected taxes in the name of the roman governor, whom they did not want to submit to.
It suffices with Jesus beckoning him to his service: “Follow me” (Mt 9:9). A single word by the Master, and Matthew leaves his profession and, happily, invites him to his home to celebrate with a joyous dinner. It was only natural that Matthew had a group of good friends, of the same “professional guild”, to join him at his table. But, according to the Pharisees, all that kind of people were confirmed sinners publicly recognized as such.
The Pharisees could not therefore silence it and they comment to some of Jesus' disciples: “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mt 9:10). Jesus' answer is immediate: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do” (Mt 9:12). The comparison is perfect: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mt 9:13).
These words of the Gospel are topical. Jesus keeps on inviting us to follow him, each one of us according to his condition and profession. And, more often than not, to follow Jesus means to leave behind some messy passions, or some poor family relationships, or just a waste of time, to allot some moments to prayer, to the Eucharist feast or to some missionary pastoral care. In other words “no Christian ought to think of him as his own master, for he is submitted to God's service” (St. Ignatius of Antioch).
Jesus is, indeed, asking me to change my life, so I wonder: which group do I belong to, to the perfect persons or to those who sincerely accept they can dramatically improve? For I can improve, can't I?
Thoughts on Today's Gospel
“My sweet Lord, turn the eyes of Your mercy upon Your people; for You will be the more glorified if You pardon so many creatures.” (Saint Catherine of Siena)
“Jesus Christ is the face of the Father’s mercy. Mercy: the word reveals the very mystery of the Most Holy Trinity. Mercy: the ultimate and supreme act by which God comes to meet us.” (Francis)
“Jesus performed acts, such as pardoning sins, that manifested him to be the Savior God himself. Certain Jews, who did not recognize God made man, saw in him only a man who made himself God (Jn 10:33), and judged him as a blasphemer.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nº 594)
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December 22nd
Fourth Sunday of Advent (C)
Gospel and commentary video
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