The Catholic Calendar
and Daily Meditation
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Maria Goretti, virgin and martyr
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
http://new.usccb.org/bible/readings/070612.cfm
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12
Psalm 119:2, 10, 20, 30, 40, 131
Matthew 9:9-13
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners? (Matthew 9:11)
It is interesting in this Gospel passage from Matthew that the Pharisees ask this question of Jesus' disciples. They had learned to be careful in their attacks on Jesus' behavior and they thought they would see how the disciples replied.
Jesus was listening, as He listens now, to not only their words but also to their self-righteous hearts.
His reply cuts to the bone: "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do." (Matthew 9:12) He silenced them and He should get our full attention, too!
No matter where we are in life, Jesus is always around, calling us to "follow Him."
The sickness of sin is portrayed so graphically in this passage from the Prophet Amos and what will happen if there is no "physician/cure" to be found:
O Jesus, Lord, help me to "follow" You.
Heal me from my sinful ways.
Let me not get distracted by the world;
then Your mercy can be upon me,
as I strive to trust only You.
Amen.
::: Deacon James W. Chaufty | email: goobie2(at)frontiernet(dot)net