Matthew 9:9-13 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 9:9-13 on biblegateway.com
Verse 9As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. Verse 10And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. Verse 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" Verse 12But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Verse 13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
Devotion
As secretary to the bishop of Bergamo, Pope John XXIII learned social action and gained understanding of his people. He served as a chaplain during World War I, was a spiritual director for the seminary, and later became director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in Italy. He was made apostolic representative to Bulgaria and delegate to Turkey, where he introduced the use of the Turkish language in worship. At the age many of us are retiring, he was sent to Paris to heal war wounds. At 72, he became cardinal and Patriarch of Venice, visited parishes and was active in social reform. At 76, he was elected Pope and astonished the church and the world by calling the first diocesan synod of Rome in history, and he then called the Second Vatican Council to revitalize the church.
Two months ago, Pope John Paul II died and his successor, Benedict XVI was elected. May his leadership be as significant.
We can learn from these men to celebrate all stages of life. It is never too late, or too soon, to make a difference.
Prayer
Loving Lord, be present at our borning cry, through our adolescence, schooling, middle years, and bonus years, enabling service to others in your holy name. Amen.