MATTHEW 9:9-13
THE CALL OF MATTHEW
INTRODUCTION
The passage from Matthew 9:9-13 recounts the call of Matthew, a tax collector, to become one of Jesus’ disciples. At the time, tax collectors were viewed as sinners and outcasts in Jewish society because they were often associated with extortion and working for the Roman authorities. When Jesus invites Matthew to follow Him, it is a radical act of mercy, extending His call to someone considered unworthy by societal standards. Jesus’ decision to dine with Matthew and other tax collectors shocks the Pharisees, who question why He would associate with sinners. In response, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6, emphasizing that He desires “mercy, not sacrifice,” showing that His mission is to call sinners, not the self-righteous.
This event highlights Jesus’ compassion and inclusivity, revealing that the Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their social standing or past sins. Matthew’s transformation from a tax collector to an apostle is a profound testament to the power of God’s grace and the transformative impact of following Jesus. In the present day, this passage serves as a reminder that Christ’s mercy is available to everyone, and He calls us not because we are perfect, but because we are in need of His healing and redemption.
Matthew 9:9 “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.”
This passage narrates the calling of Matthew, also known as Levi, to be one of Jesus’ disciples. In both Catholic teaching and interpretation, it holds significant meaning, illustrating themes of God’s mercy, the transformative power of Christ’s call, and the universal call to holiness.
Historical and Jewish Context
During the time of Jesus, tax collectors were viewed with great disdain in Jewish society. They were often seen as collaborators with the Roman occupiers, who oppressed the Jewish people. Furthermore, tax collectors were notorious for engaging in corrupt practices, such as overcharging people and keeping the excess for themselves. They were considered traitors and sinners, despised especially by groups like the Pharisees. Thus, the choice of Matthew as a disciple was remarkable because Jesus looked beyond societal judgments and saw Matthew’s potential for repentance and transformation.
This moment in the Gospel highlights a recurring theme in Jesus’ ministry: He came not for the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance (cf. Matthew 9:12-13). Jesus’ actions show His willingness to break cultural and societal norms, reaching out to those marginalized and offering them a new beginning.
Catholic Teaching and Interpretation
In Catholic tradition, this passage reflects the Church’s teaching on the universal call to holiness. Despite Matthew’s sinful occupation, Jesus extends His invitation, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace and mercy. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1427) emphasizes this call to conversion, teaching that Jesus’ proclamation of the kingdom of God is inseparable from the invitation to repent and follow Him.
Matthew’s response to this call is equally important. Without hesitation, he “got up and followed him.” This promptness highlights the necessity of responding to God’s grace without delay. The Catechism (CCC 1996) explains that grace is a “free and undeserved help that God gives us to respond to his call to become children of God.” Matthew’s immediate and wholehearted response is a model of how we are to respond to God’s call in our own lives, with readiness and trust.
Furthermore, this passage touches on the Catholic understanding of vocation. Just as Jesus called Matthew from his life as a tax collector, God calls individuals to various states of life and service within the Church. Whether through marriage, priesthood, religious life, or lay ministry, each person is called to serve in their unique way. The Second Vatican Council’s Lumen Gentium (39-42) echoes this, affirming that all the faithful are called to the perfection of charity and to a life of holiness.
Reflection
In today’s world, many people may feel unworthy of God’s call due to past mistakes, societal judgment, or a sense of inadequacy. However, Matthew’s story reassures us that God calls everyone, regardless of their past, to follow Him. Jesus does not require us to be perfect before calling us; rather, it is through His grace that we are transformed into His disciples.
The story of Matthew also challenges us to consider how promptly we respond to God’s invitations in our own lives. In the midst of our busy schedules and distractions, we often delay responding to God’s call to discipleship. True discipleship, however, demands a prompt and total surrender to God’s will.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, you called Matthew from his life as a tax collector, not because of his worthiness, but because of Your great love and mercy. We ask You to help us recognize that You call each of us, despite our weaknesses and sins, to follow You. Grant us the grace to respond with readiness and trust, just as Matthew did. May we, like him, leave behind anything that holds us back from true discipleship and live fully for You. Amen.
Matthew 9:10 “And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.”
This passage highlights a significant moment in Jesus’ ministry where He breaks social and religious conventions by dining with tax collectors and sinners. After calling Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple, Jesus dines in Matthew’s house, attracting other tax collectors and sinners to join Him. In doing so, Jesus conveys God’s infinite mercy and the universal call to salvation, challenging the norms of the time and offering a path to repentance and reconciliation.
Context and Historical Background
In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ time, meals held deep significance, symbolizing acceptance and fellowship. Tax collectors were particularly despised because they were viewed as traitors who collaborated with the Roman occupiers, and they were notorious for overcharging the people. Meanwhile, “sinners” referred to individuals who openly violated the Mosaic Law, making them outcasts in society.
The Pharisees, who prided themselves on strict adherence to the law, avoided any association with these marginalized groups, fearing ritual impurity. However, Jesus’ ministry radically defied these social boundaries. His willingness to dine with tax collectors and sinners was a profound departure from the behavior of the religious elite. Through this simple act of sharing a meal, Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom of God was open to all, including those deemed unworthy by society.
Catholic Teachings
This passage underscores several essential teachings of the Catholic Church:
1. Universal Call to Holiness: Jesus’ actions reveal that no one is beyond God’s call to holiness. The Church teaches that everyone, regardless of their past or social status, is called to follow Christ and grow in sanctity. As stated in Lumen Gentium, Christ invites all to pursue holiness (LG 40).
2. God’s Infinite Mercy: Jesus’ willingness to associate with those marginalized by society illustrates the boundless mercy of God. In Misericordiae Vultus, Pope Francis reminds us that mercy is the “foundation of the Church’s life” (MV 8). Jesus’ act of dining with sinners is a powerful expression of this mercy, showing that no soul is beyond redemption.
3. Evangelization through Personal Encounter: Jesus creates a space for personal encounter and conversion by simply sharing a meal with those considered sinners. This method of reaching out personally is at the heart of the Church’s mission of evangelization, as highlighted in Evangelii Nuntiandi (EN 41).
4. Preferential Option for the Poor and Marginalized: Jesus’ outreach to tax collectors and sinners embodies the Church’s commitment to serve those on the peripheries. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis emphasizes that God’s heart has a special place for the poor and the excluded (EG 198).
5. The Sacrament of Reconciliation: This passage also points to the Church’s ministry of reconciliation. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1422), the Sacrament of Penance is a powerful means through which the faithful receive God’s forgiveness and are restored to full communion with Him.
Reflection
The example of Christ dining with sinners challenges us to examine our own attitudes. Are we, like the Pharisees, quick to distance ourselves from those we perceive as “sinners,” or do we, like Jesus, extend mercy, compassion, and inclusion to those on the margins? This passage invites us to break down the social and cultural barriers that separate us from others, seeing the inherent dignity of every person as a child of God. It also calls us to humbly recognize our own need for God’s mercy and grace.
In today’s world, where social divisions are rampant, Christ’s example calls us to foster a culture of encounter and inclusion. Just as Jesus welcomed tax collectors and sinners, we are called to create spaces of hospitality and evangelization, where everyone, regardless of their past, can experience God’s transformative love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your boundless mercy that extends to all people. Help us to see others as You see them, with love and compassion. Grant us the courage to reach out to those on the margins, following Your example of radical inclusivity. Open our hearts to those whom society rejects, and give us the grace to recognize our own need for Your forgiveness. May we be instruments of Your love and mercy in the world. Amen.
Matthew 9:11 “When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?'”
This verse takes place after Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him. Later, Jesus shares a meal with Matthew, other tax collectors, and sinners at Matthew’s house. This prompts the Pharisees, strict observers of the Mosaic Law, to question Jesus’ disciples about His association with such people.
In the Jewish context, tax collectors were viewed as traitors for collaborating with the Roman occupiers and for their dishonest practices of collecting more than required to line their own pockets. They were regarded as sinners, alongside others who violated Jewish religious and moral laws. The Pharisees believed that associating with such individuals would lead to ritual impurity and showed disdain toward anyone who mingled with them.
Their criticism highlights their self-righteousness, as they sought to avoid anyone they considered unclean. In contrast, Jesus’ mission was to call sinners to repentance, not to avoid them. As Jesus explains in the verses following, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick” (Mt 9:12-13). His ministry was to heal those who acknowledged their sinfulness and needed redemption.
Catholic Interpretation
From a Catholic perspective, this passage exemplifies the essence of Jesus’ ministry: reaching out to the marginalized and calling them to conversion. The Pharisees’ question revealed their misunderstanding of God’s mercy and their legalistic view of righteousness. They were more concerned with external observance of the law than the internal conversion of the heart.
Jesus’ willingness to eat with tax collectors and sinners underscores the universal call to salvation. As Jesus states in Matthew 9:13, “For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners,” He emphasizes that His mission is centered on mercy, not judgment. This aligns with the Catholic understanding of salvation, where the Church is seen as a “field hospital” for sinners, offering grace and healing to all who seek repentance.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1846) teaches, “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners.” Jesus’ actions in this passage illustrate that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. He extends an invitation to all sinners to return to Him, which is a central theme in Catholic teaching. Pope Francis has often reiterated this message, urging the Church to be a place of mercy, welcoming sinners with open arms as Jesus did.
Additionally, this passage resonates with St. John Paul II’s encyclical Dives in Misericordia (Rich in Mercy), which emphasizes the Church’s role in promoting God’s mercy in a world filled with sin. Just as Jesus reached out to tax collectors and sinners, the Church must extend mercy and compassion to those who are lost and in need of spiritual healing.
Conclusion
The story of Jesus dining with tax collectors and sinners in Matthew 9:11 serves as a profound lesson in the Catholic faith about the centrality of mercy. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and attitudes toward others, to avoid self-righteousness, and to embody the merciful love of Christ in our interactions. The Church, following Christ’s example, is called to be a refuge for sinners, offering them the grace and forgiveness they need to find new life in God.
Reflection
Matthew 9:11 challenges Christians to reflect on their own attitudes toward others, particularly those who might be considered “sinners” or outcasts. Like the Pharisees, we might sometimes fall into the trap of self-righteousness, judging others instead of showing compassion. However, Jesus teaches that mercy is at the heart of God’s kingdom. Instead of avoiding sinners, He sought them out, offering them the opportunity to repent and transform their lives.
As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His merciful attitude. This means avoiding judgment and extending compassion to those who are struggling. It also involves recognizing our own sinfulness and the need for God’s mercy in our lives. Only by acknowledging our own need for forgiveness can we extend the same mercy to others.
In a world often divided by judgment and condemnation, Christians are called to be agents of reconciliation. Jesus’ actions remind us that no one is beyond redemption and that every person has the potential to encounter God’s transformative grace. As a Church, we must continue this mission, promoting mercy, compassion, and forgiveness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your boundless mercy toward sinners. Help us to follow Your example of compassion and avoid judging others. Give us the grace to recognize our own need for conversion and to trust in Your healing love. May we be instruments of Your mercy in the world, drawing others to You through our words and actions. Amen.
Matthew 9:12 ” He heard this and said, ‘Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.’”
In this passage, Jesus responds to the Pharisees, who criticized Him for dining with tax collectors and sinners (Mt 9:11). The Pharisees prided themselves on their strict observance of the Law and distanced themselves from those they deemed sinful. However, Jesus uses the analogy of a physician to explain His mission: He came to heal the spiritually sick – those burdened by sin and separated from God.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish society during Jesus’ time, tax collectors were particularly despised because they worked for the Roman occupiers and were often perceived as corrupt. The Pharisees, adhering strictly to the Mosaic Law, believed in avoiding anyone they considered “unclean,” such as tax collectors and known sinners. They misunderstood the true mission of the Messiah, expecting Him to vindicate the righteous and restore Israel. Jesus, however, revealed that His mission was one of mercy and healing, extending God’s grace to sinners.
The Catholic Understanding
The Catholic Church teaches that this verse reveals the merciful heart of Christ and His mission to save sinners. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 546) explains that “Jesus’ invitation to enter his kingdom comes in the form of parables,” calling for a radical choice to give everything in order to gain the kingdom. By comparing Himself to a physician, Jesus emphasized three key points:
1. Jesus Heals the Spiritually Sick: He came to heal those burdened by sin and estranged from God, much like a doctor heals the physically ill. As Mark 2:17 reiterates, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
2. Self-Righteousness Blinds the Pharisees: Those who, like the Pharisees, believe they are spiritually well, do not recognize their need for Christ’s salvation. In their self-righteousness, they fail to see their own spiritual sickness and thus refuse the healing Jesus offers.
3. Christ’s Mission is One of Mercy: Jesus’ mission is to heal, restore, and save, not to condemn. As John 3:17 affirms, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
The Church also emphasizes that all people need God’s healing grace. Saint Augustine beautifully captures this sentiment: “Lord, heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
Understanding for Today
Today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that all humanity is spiritually sick due to sin (Rom 3:23), and we all need Jesus, the Divine Physician, for our healing. Just as a physically ill person seeks medical treatment, sinners must seek spiritual healing through Jesus. The Pharisees’ inability to recognize their own spiritual sickness warns us against pride and self-righteousness. Instead, we are called to humility and self-awareness, always recognizing our need for Christ’s mercy and salvation.
The Church continues Christ’s healing work today, especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). As the Catechism teaches (CCC 1421), “the Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies… willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit, his work of healing and salvation, even among her own members.” Through the priest, Jesus offers forgiveness and spiritual healing to those who acknowledge their sins and seek to be restored.
Reflection
As Christians, we are called to humbly acknowledge our own spiritual sickness and seek healing in Christ. Jesus’ example calls us to extend that same mercy to others, especially those whom society might marginalize. We are reminded that Jesus did not come to condemn but to save. We should also avoid viewing ourselves as above others; rather, we must see that we are all in need of God’s grace.
Just as tax collectors and sinners dined with Jesus, we too are invited to draw near to Him with humility and to accept His offer of healing and forgiveness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Divine Physician, we acknowledge our sinfulness and come before You with humble hearts. Heal us from the spiritual sickness that separates us from You. Give us the grace to recognize our need for Your mercy, and help us to extend that mercy to others. May we never be self-righteous but always seek Your grace with open hearts. Amen.
Matthew 9:13 “Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
By quoting Hosea 6:6, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, who criticized Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners, emphasizing that God prefers compassion over strict adherence to rituals. He stresses that the true essence of religious observance lies not in external sacrifices but in a heart full of mercy and love. This profound teaching reflects God’s preference for mercy over ritualistic formality.
Jesus does not abolish the importance of religious observance but instead teaches that without a merciful heart, sacrifices are meaningless. His ministry focused on offering healing, forgiveness, and salvation to those society deemed unworthy, embodying the essence of divine mercy.
Historical and Jewish Context
During the time of Jesus, religious leaders like the Pharisees placed heavy emphasis on the Law of Moses, which included ritual sacrifices and religious customs. While these sacrifices were part of the covenant relationship with God, many had lost sight of the accompanying moral demands of justice, mercy, and humility (Mic 6:8). Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ legalism, redirecting attention to the deeper significance of mercy, compassion, and love over external acts of piety.
By dining with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus demonstrates that His mission was to bring healing to those who needed it most. He did not come to applaud those who appeared righteous, but to offer salvation to the lost, calling them to repentance. Jesus’ actions highlight God’s steadfast love and mercy, reaching beyond mere ritual compliance.
Catholic Teaching and Application
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2100) emphasizes that “Outward sacrifice, to be genuine, must be the expression of spiritual sacrifice.” This teaching aligns with Jesus’ message: true sacrifice comes from a heart transformed by love and mercy. Jesus Himself is the ultimate example, offering the perfect sacrifice of love through His passion and death, rather than mere ritualistic offerings.
The Church continues to encourage acts of mercy as central to Christian living. The works of mercy, both corporal and spiritual, are direct expressions of the mercy Jesus desires. These include feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and comforting the sorrowful, all reflecting God’s love through tangible actions. Through the sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience God’s forgiveness, just as sinners in the Gospel encountered Christ’s healing and mercy.
Pope Francis on Mercy
Pope Francis has continually emphasized the theme of mercy, mirroring Jesus’ approach to sinners. He famously stated: “Jesus’ attitude is striking: we do not hear words of scorn, we do not hear words of condemnation, but only words of love, of mercy, which are an invitation to conversion.” This call to mercy challenges Christians to move beyond judgment and embrace love as the foundation of their actions, inviting even the marginalized into the fold of God’s grace.
Reflection
Jesus’ words are a reminder that faith is not about outward rituals but about the transformation of the heart. We are called to follow Christ’s example by prioritizing mercy in our lives, not merely adhering to rituals or appearing righteous. Mercy, as Jesus taught, is an action that reflects God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion. It challenges us to see beyond the faults and sins of others, recognizing their dignity as children of God in need of grace.
Are we merciful in our daily encounters? Do we reach out to the marginalized, or do we focus on maintaining appearances of holiness? Jesus invites us to embody His merciful love and to act with compassion, forgiveness, and understanding, following the path of humility and mercy.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, open our hearts to Your merciful love. Help us to see others as You see them – with compassion and understanding. Give us the courage to reach out to those who are marginalized or struggling, offering them Your love and mercy. May we always remember that we too are sinners in need of Your grace. Guide us to reflect Your love through actions of mercy in our lives, bringing healing to a world in need. Amen.
SUMMARY
In Matthew 9:9-13, we witness the powerful call of Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Jesus. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society, viewed as sinners due to their association with Roman authorities and dishonest practices. Despite this, Jesus extends a personal invitation to Matthew, offering him a new life of discipleship. This act demonstrates Jesus’ mission to call sinners, not the self-righteous, showing that God’s mercy is available to all, regardless of their past. Jesus’ decision to dine with Matthew and other tax collectors further shocks the religious elite, like the Pharisees, who question His association with such people. Jesus’ response, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” emphasizes that God values a compassionate heart over mere ritual observance, revealing His purpose to bring healing to the spiritually sick.
This passage is a profound reminder of God’s inclusive call to repentance and holiness. Matthew’s immediate response to Jesus’ call highlights the readiness with which we should respond to God’s grace. It also challenges us to reflect on how we treat others, especially those marginalized by society. Jesus’ ministry offers a model of mercy and inclusion, encouraging us to reach out to those who are often deemed unworthy, and to recognize our own need for forgiveness. The story of Matthew is a testament to the transformative power of grace, and how Christ calls all of us, regardless of our past, to follow Him.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You called Matthew from his life of sin to follow You, showing us the power of Your mercy. Help us to hear Your call in our own lives and respond with hearts open to Your grace. Grant us the courage to leave behind all that keeps us from You and to follow You wholeheartedly. May we extend Your mercy to others, especially those society overlooks, and live in the light of Your love. Amen.