By Vimal Kumar A, CSC –
Readings: Eph 4: 1-7, 11-13; Mt 9: 9 – 13
Today the mother Church commemorates the Feast of St. Mathew, the apostle and Evangelist. The readings invite me to meditate on the theme “A Radical Discipleship.” The readings focus on two aspects, i.e. my response to God’s call and God’s response to my submission. On account of my choice, it is very hard to make a decision to arrive at uncertain conclusion. The call of Mathew has significance and a lot to teach me.
A simple call with simple response drew him closer to Jesus to become a radical disciple. Similarly, my humble response to God’s call has instilled in me the quality to become a disciple. Yet, to become a radical disciple the first reading emphasizes that I need to have sustained faith and fervent hope in the Lord and respond to him with humility through my action and deeds.
When I made a decision to follow Jesus, it is not a sacrifice that I make to forgo my own self freedom. But with faithfulness and love I pledge myself in total submission to him for the purpose of accomplishing his will. Jesus was fascinated by the life of Mathew and responded to the love that he has for him as he stood and rebuked the fanatics who criticized Mathew. Similarly when I stand for Jesus with complete inner freedom he will stand for me in times of difficulties and struggles. He will guide me to live my vocation that I am called to live with faithfulness and sincerity to become a radical disciple like St. Mathew.