By Vimal Kumar A. csc
Readings: Gen 23: 1-4, 19; 24: 1-8, 62-67; Mt 9: 9-13
Love the riches and hate not the rich-This idea has been in effect for many centuries. Money and God may not go well together as they seem contrary to each other. Jesus too emphasized the adverse relation between the riches and God. He said that it was extremely hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.
However, it is very odd to think that Jesus extended his invitation to a rich Mathew to follow his ways. Here, Jesus’ ideology also remains odd for the Pharisees and even for us to grasp.
The fact is Jesus’ ministry is inclusive. His teaching is hard to follow; but his love remains the same for all, whether the person is poor or rich, sinner or righteous. Jesus is always in search of people who are deprived of love, social recognition, social security, identity, etc. The call of Mathew denotes that God’s love is vast for those who are ready to seek and follow him. He called him with an everlasting love and demonstrated how much Mathew was worthy in the eyes of God. God wanted him more than any other righteous in society.
We are fragile and unworthy in front of God. However, God extends his invitation through the person of Jesus to follow him and imitate his virtues in society. In our richness of love, care, and compassion, let us seek the poor Christ in today’s wounded world. Perhaps, in this outbreak of Corona virus, we see the people who are deprived of love, social, and basic necessities. Are we ready to stand like Jesus to say that we are there to care and nurture them all?