July 1, 2022 Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time-C

Amos 8:4-6, 9-12

Psalm 119

Matthew 9:9-13

And he got up and followed him.  Matthew 9:9

Lord, you shocked everyone when you invited the outcast and reviled traitor Matthew to follow you. It must have come as a big surprise to Matthew as well. Everyone questioned what possible good you saw in such a tax collector, scum. You looked into this hated, evil man’s heart and saw what no one else did.  And you knew the power of grace to overcome evil. Just as surprising was Matthew’s response. He left behind his very lucrative career and much wealth to become a disciple. Lord, you weren’t out looking for perfection that day, you were looking for willingness and a comrade. You don’t wait until we clean up our act to call us to holiness and a new life. Like Matthew, I’m not perfect yet. You see goodness in my heart and a potential for spiritual greatness. Lord, may your mercy blot out all my sins and your Holy Spirit bring me to where you want me. I open my life to your transforming grace and leave behind all that is holding me back from the new life you offer. Hear my prayers for all those having conversions of heart to follow you.  Amen.