Dear Friend,
According to our mentors, if we ever hope to become a disciple of Christ, we have to undergo a "paradigm shift" in our life.
The Gospel this Sunday is an example of a "paradigm shift" in the life of one of Christ’s disciples, Matthew. Please read his Gospel 9:9-13 and discuss it with your family to learn to identify an opportunity for conversion and respond with a "paradigm shift."
As a prelude to this Gospel, Jesus recently came into Capernaum and commanded a paralytic to "rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home." The paralytic rose and went home healed. The crowds were struck with awe and glorified God for such a grace. (v. 1-8)
"As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post." (v. 9) Matthew must have seen Jesus coming with the ever present crowds following Him. He could not have failed to recognize Jesus as this sight was now common in that region. The fame of Jesus had spread in all of Galilee (Mt 4:23-25). Only this time, Jesus was approaching him. What came into Matthew’s mind as he saw Jesus looking at him? Jesus must have been smiling at him. An excitement must have been building up inside Matthew as he felt his adrenaline pumping for that rare occasion of meeting Galilee’s most famous personality.
"He said to him, ‘Follow me.’" (v. 9) Matthew must have often wondered who this man Jesus was and wished he have could known Him better. "Why was this small group of ordinary people, His disciples, happy in His company? Happier than me in my customs post?" Matthew must have mulled.
So when he heard Jesus said to him, "Follow me," his response was spontaneous. Matthew left his materialistic life that was bringing him all the wealth he had amassed, in exchange for a life with Jesus. He had chosen God instead of wealth. (Mt 6:24) It was his "paradigm shift," and Matthew found his real self.
It was the same "paradigm shift" for Peter, Andrew, James and John when they had left everything and followed Jesus. (Mt 4:18-22)
"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples." It was a moment of celebration for a "brother who was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found." (Luke 15:32). The immediate effect of Matthew’s conversion was a good news to other tax collectors and sinners -– there was hope in their lives.
The Pharisees did not see it this way as they failed to learn the meaning of God’s words, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." (v.13) To the Jews, an altar sacrifice was more important but to Jesus, the building of a loving relationship was His mission -– the reason for His coming.
Meditation ~
I will not have that same opportunity of meeting Jesus in person as Matthew but He had sent His Holy Spirit for this purpose. And "blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." (John 20:29)
The Holy Spirit is guiding me to my "paradigm shift" -– to "desire mercy, not sacrifice." To love, not a material offering. To be personal, as being present to someone, as an expression of love.
Who is that person with whom I should build a loving relationship?
Contemplation ~
Imagine yourself in the place of Matthew as you see Jesus approaching you, smiling, and telling you to "Follow me." Stay with Jesus as you search yourself for a response to His call. Feel the excitement of Matthew build inside you as you come closer to a response to Jesus.
Family Response ~
Talk about how you may try your own "paradigm shift" and support each other to follow Jesus.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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