July 7, 2017 Friday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time-A
Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
Psalm 106
Matthew 9:9-13
…many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus… Matthew 9:10
Lord, you shocked everyone when you called the disgusting traitor Matthew to follow you. You didn’t stop there but ate a meal with the most repulsive class of people in Israel. All this must have been the talk of the town. Thank God you eat with sinners otherwise you’d have to dine alone. You looked beyond the labels and sin to see them as God’s children in need of mercy and forgiveness. They were drawn to you because of your compassion and love. During your meal did you remind them of who they were and did you offer them a new way to walk with God? You changed some hearts that day because your grace is more powerful than any sin. Your mercy knows no limits of boundaries. It is unconditional. All that’s needed is for me to admit my sin and open my heart to you each and every day. May I dine with you today? Amen.