Word to the Wise
Friday, July 4, 2025 - Friday in the 13th Week in Ordinary Time
[Gen 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 and Matt 9:9-13]As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting a the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he [Jesus] was at table in his [Matthew's] house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." [Matthew]
JULY 4 PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI, OP [Independence Day U.S.A]
Believe it or not, there is a lesson on "independence" in today's gospel passage. Jesus shows "independence" from the observances of the Mosaic Law by reaching out to tax collectors and "sinners" (whose sin may only have been in the trade they practiced, like tanning). Even touching one person in that broad category could render a pious Jew "unclean." The hyper-observant Pharisees, convinced of their "righteousness", were quick to criticize. Their criticism would eventually grow into a lethal resentment. Later on, St. Paul's conversion would find expression in his letters in which he speaks of "freedom" from the observances of the Mosaic Law: "For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." [Galatians 5:1 et seq.]
Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea in giving priority to mercy over observance. [Hosea 6:6] Our own Catholic church struggles with creating classes of people who are considered "sinners" and unworthy to join Jesus at the table. When Pope Francis urged "accompaniment," he was severely criticized by certain "righteous" segments of the Church. How do we preach mercy in the land that celebrates "independence" today? Do we ignore Jesus' example when making political choices about who is worthy to share "independence?" A reading of the parable of the Last Judgment in this same Gospel According to Matthew [25-31-45] will give us an example of the responsibility to share with others the blessings of independence. Jesus makes it clear as to whom he is calling. Shall we let "righteousness" make us deaf to his call? AMEN