I would like to encourage everyone to watch the movie: “Sounds of Freedom.” It is a documentary film about child trafficking. It raises our awareness of the reality of modern slavery worse than before in human history, but we seem silent and doing nothing about it. Indeed, I believe that God’s children are not for sale. We need to act and do something. Today’s opening prayer reminds us that we must not be wrapped in the error of darkness but stand in the bright light of truth.
The gospel from Matthew narrates to us about Jesus calling Matthew and said, “Follow Me.” Matthew was a tax collector, and it was not easy for him to leave his lucrative profession. But he opened his house and welcomed Jesus together with his fellow tax collectors and sinners. Jesus had an opportunity to meet them, however, the pharisees were adamant to Jesus being with public sinners. Then Jesus said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.”
Many times, we isolate ourselves with the sinners and draw a perimeter so that we won’t be like one of them. Making this certain demarcation and practicing such attitude of exclusivity does not help our community. The reason why we should make friends with the sinners, is not to think that we could also be partakers of their sins, but rather to influence them to change for the better and bring them closer to Christ. We should avoid becoming a pharisee to others whose attitude is more on self-righteousness, but we must always support and inspire others to bring them to Jesus.
“Follow Me,” says Jesus to all of us, so we must respond with utmost desire to heed this invitation of the Lord. Jesus says, “Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not call the righteous but sinners.” Like Matthew, we are sinners, we have flaws. In our meditation we use this as our “mantra,” “Follow Me.” So that our attitude must not be condescending but always make our hearts, the heart of Jesus and hence, we become available to show mercy to others and to ourselves. Maybe, the greatest obstacle to showing mercy is the fact that we have not forgiven ourselves. Let us allow Christ’s mercy to touch ourselves that we could truly encounter the Lord and listen to Him. If we can find God in all things, we must protect everyone, those who are vulnerable especially children. In our prayer we ask Jesus for mercy and the grace of commitment to follow Him.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
