1st Week in Ordinary Time
14th January 2023 (Saturday) Readings and Reflection
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Reading of the Day
First Reading: HEBREWS 4. 12-16
12.For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13.And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14.Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16.Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
PSALM 19:8,9, 10,15 (R. See John 6:63c)
Response: Your wods, O Lord, are spirit and life
Gospel : MARK 2. 13-17
13.He went out again beside the sea, and all the crowd was coming to him, and he was teaching them. 14.And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 15.And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16.And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17.And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Follow me!
Indicative: We have a God who understands and shares our human weaknesses and sympathises with them, and enables us to overcome them{alertSuccess}
1. It is said that “every saint has a past and every sinner has a future”. The point is clear: Our life should never be stagnant. True discipleship is a matter of what we can become and not what we were. Therefore, what is important is constant progressive growth in the path of discipleship and perfection.
2. In the gospel, we have the Markan version of the call of Matthew. We have reflected on it many times. Still, slightly differently, we can reiterate some main points. Matthew’s call invites us for gradational, consistent progress. No doubt that before his call. Matthew was not an ideal man. He cannot be termed a “religious” or righteous man. He was rightly regarded as a sinner.
3. And strangely, this being a sinner is not a disqualification but a “qualification” to become a disciple of Christ. This is totally contrary to the normal recruitment in the world. Any admission, any job will prescribe certain requirements and certain credentials that qualify and prove one’s suitability. But for following the Lord, there is no such qualification.
4. This is a kind of consolation and clarificatory note for us, especially in the present times, when at times we wonder why some assume key and honourable positions. We may question their worth and suitability. We may feel disturbed that the wrong people are chosen.
5. We need not feel so bad about it. God wants to do work through them. Thereby, God wants to make it clear to us that His work, His mission does not depend on our human qualifications or credentials.
6. But this is no excuse for evading our further responsibility. Once chosen, things must change. The person called should become worthy and suited to his call. In calling anyone, Jesus’ invitation and mandate, “Follow me” becomes binding.
7. Whether before the call there was a faithful following is not the matter. But after receiving the call, this summon of Jesus, “Follow me” cannot be neglected. Those who fail to follow Jesus after being called, will stand before the Lord, for a strict reckoning
Imperative: The fact that Jesus calls us even sinners, is not a prerogative or licence. He calls us not to continue as sinners but become righteous{alertSuccess}