September 21, 2024, Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time-B ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.  

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Psalm 19

Matthew 9:9-13

But grace was given to each of us… Eph. 4:7

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”  Mt. 9:11

Lord, if you were just a “teacher” the Pharisees question made sense.  But you are not just a teacher.  You are the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind.  That’s why you ate with sinners.  If you didn’t eat with sinners, you would always dine alone.  For we all are sinners in need of your grace and redemption.  Matthew must have been more stunned than anyone that you showed an interest in him.  Despised and hated in his hometown because of his profession, he was the least likely to be chosen for your band of Apostles.  You saw something very special in this man that no one else did.   You saw his potential and you loved him like nobody else ever did.  Matthew said yes to your call leaving behind his life and accepted the new one you offered.  Let me never question who you call to serve in your kingdom.   Jesus, thank you for calling me despite my unworthiness and sinfulness.  What do you see in me that others do not?   With your grace, I say “yes” to you today to whatever role you have in mind for me.  St. Matthew, pray for us.   Amen.