Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Psalm 118; Matthew 9:9-13
In Amos 8:4-12 God declares his punishment on those who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land. The Lord says; a spiritual famine will fall upon them for their sins. Beloved, what is our attitude towards the poor? Many are denied their wages, denied their pensions, gratuity and even proper health care.
In the gospel, Jesus receives tax collectors and sinners. They represent those whose professions and social status are not respected because of the pains and hardship taxpayers go through. The Scribes and Pharisees couldn’t bear the experience of Jesus eating and relaxing with them. Many Christians today think they know God and how God should act. It is unchristian to always desire the death or punishment of the wicked. It is unchristian to think that certain group of persons will not make heaven.
The Scribes and Pharisees murmured against Jesus because of his association with sinners. On the procession one day, a church warden ran to me and said; “Fr. this boy with dreadlock is a notorious yahoo boy don’t allow him to enter the Church.” I refused to grant his request and he felt bad. Beloved, paraphrasing the words of Jesus in the gospel, he says; “I am a physician and Matthew is sick.” Every sinner is sick and needs healing; Jesus is the Physician that heals and saves. Little wonder, the Greek Philosopher Epictetus says; the teaching of Jesus is the medicine of salvation. As we heed his teaching may we be saved. Amen
LET US PRAY
Father, have mercy and save us. Teach us to help each other, help us to be our brother’s keepers not killers. Holy Spirit, sanctify us and make us whole. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
