Hos 6:3-6 It is love that I desire not sacrifice

Ps 50

Rom 4:18-25 Abraham was strengthed by faith and gave glory to God

Matthew I did not come o call the righteous, but sinners

1st reading for it is love that I desire, not sacrifice,
And knowledge of God rather than holocausts (sacrifice of animals in fire)

2nd reading dead womb of Sarah.
Pained by adversity, he was strengthened by faith and gave glory to God

Gospel
True pious people accept God’s will in times of crisis. In Suffering!

Is our prayer better when we are in trouble, suffering, anxious . . . Do people who are living a life of debauchery or addiction have a greater capacity to give themselves more fully to God claiming they “found” God – 911, disasters – internal and external. Do they feel the substantial change in their lives more fervently. Is the light stronger for those exiting near total darkness.

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Matthew used Roman soldiers to tax his own people, keeping a significant amount for himself — a thief, a traitor, and an object of scorn. Did Matthew’s sinfulness: collaboration with the occupying Romans and callusness toward his own people, make him more ready to give all to God when at last he experienced God.

Called by Jesus Matthew left his cushy life, left his love of money and followed Jesus. We should never forget to invite others to join us at church – you never know what will transpire

Matthew — not the great man of faith like Abraham, but wasn’t a hypocrite either like we see in the 1st reading. Simply a man, who radically changes his life, and chooses the Lord.

Pharisees spent years learning the laws and the traditions, e.g. the sacrificing of animals. Jesus says “Go back and learn about mercy.” — live more from their interior and they will understand the interiors of others. Often judging others with ease while being clueless about themselves.

Luke warm
Are we cradle Catholics invited to a lukewarm faith?

Unappreciative because we have not have felt the cold pain of being away from our Savior. Pious when it is easy – when we are not asked to do anything difficult? Pious in intention but not in action?

Loyalty
Do we rally around the church in times of trouble, attack, when it is no longer in vogue, or do we step back?

Rosaries hang neck or rear view windows as decoration or do we pray with them and use them as reminders of the life of Christ and the love to which we are called.

Interior faith – Compassion
God,through the prophet Laments, “What am I to do As quickly vanishing is the morning’s dew, is your piety”.

As long as Israel was in trouble, God was important. “Trust God rather than trying to manipulate him, while trying to sacrifice others on the altar of our egos. Jesus teaches us – give up sacrificial option & struggle interiorly for Christ’s mercy.

Gift of Spirit: compassion and understanding. Compassion is a part of the spiritual realm

Compassion is strong when we understand the pain of othes therefore compassion of the heart, is the healing of the soul. Let us find the Matthews in our life and call them to follow Jesus.

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