Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 5 July 2024
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time – Friday
Amos 8:4-6, 9-12. Matthew 9:9-13
The call to follow Jesus
The key themes that are found in today’s gospel reading are: ‘the call to discipleship,’ ‘God’s mercy and grace,’ and ‘inclusivity of Jesus’ ministry.’
Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him, showing that anyone can be called to follow Jesus, regardless of their background or occupation. Matthew’s response is immediate and total, leaving behind his old life to follow Jesus. The Pharisees question Jesus’ decision to associate with sinners, but Jesus responds by saying that he came to call the sick, not the healthy. Jesus’ ministry is one of mercy and grace, seeking out those who need him most.
Do we hear the call to follow Jesus? How do we respond? When we are broken, and sinful God calls us. How do we follow Jesus more closely in our daily lives?
Let us take time to reflect on our own call to discipleship. Let us pray for the courage to follow Jesus more closely, even if it means leaving behind old habits or ways of life. Let us reach out to someone who may feel like they are too ‘broken’ to be loved by Jesus, and share the good news of his mercy and grace.
In the first reading, the Lord God warns the people about the famine of the word of God. The famine of the word of God would be severe because people will lose direction and goal.
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The word of God is the inner voice that directs our steps (Jubilee 2025 AD, bite 140).
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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