1st Week in Ordinary Time (C) : Saturday 18th January 2025

Naturally, dingy places are painted with dirt and abhorrence, and our regard for the people in such places are prejudiced. It entices us to think such places promote lousy money and other shoddy dealings. The encounter between Jesus and Matthew gives us hope. Jesus’ compassion is boundless. Somehow, He never dismisses the deepest longing and hope of people forced to work under such dingy circumstances.  Italian painter Carravagio, in his painting of ‘The Calling of Matthew’, illustrated the motion and depth of the encounter as mesmerizing. The light of hope has entered into the dimly lit space and lives of people needing societal recognition. Matthew must be stunned by Jesus motioning him to join Him as His disciple. Jesus’ charming gaze and gracious words have imprinted recognition to Matthew’s heart. Inconceivable, but for Matthew, it was irresistible to rejoice and obey.

This decision to follow will be met with hurdles. The rivals of Jesus will find spiteful reasons to dissuade people from following Him. Is He a credible rabbi? Isn’t it scandalous to dine with publicly known sinners? However, Jesus remains our anchor in dingy moments of anxiety and doubt. With His abiding and assuring words, Jesus will always seek the sick. In this sense, there is that joy of being found by the Lord Who raises Matthew’s gaze to follow the light of hope, and to leave the dinginess of lousy money. Jesus’ recognition of Matthew is our inspiration.

Lord Jesus, give me joy to know You will always seek the best in me for the world.