Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: Gen 23: 1-4,19; 24: 1-8, 62-67; Mt 9: 9-13
In the gospel, Jesus declares that he came to be where the spiritually sick are. Like a physician he ministers to the sick who call on him to visit their homes to heal them. We are wounded by misunderstandings, cheatings, unforgiveness, intolerance, lack of trust, etc.
These realities of life make us sick and sometimes keep us away from God and his love. But when we acknowledge our sickness and ask the divine physician for help, we experience healing. Mathew and his friends acknowledged their sinfulness and experienced mercy from the divine healer, Jesus.
Jesus calls us through many people to mend our ways and be healed from spiritual sickness. Sacrifice and gifts are wanted by Jesus, but they are not enough. He demands all that a person is and has. He wants to cleanse us, heal us, and make us fit for life everlasting.