Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
Once again, this Sunday, Lord, you will eat with sinners. Once again, I will set aside all earthly thoughts and cares and listen for your invitation spoken through the church.
This and every Sunday you call me and provide for me through yourself all that will equip me to "be" love and mercy for the sake of others.
You invite the sinner -- anyone, or any aspect of any one that is dwelling in the darkness of sin. Any portion of my being that is floundering, faltering, stumbling.
You call the sick cells of my soul to come and eat with you, to partake of you so that I may follow you.
I approach your table, dear Lord, divine physician.
My steps move in rhythm to the melody of choir, instruments and congregation....
My mind accepts the invitation to ponder nothing earthly or of flesh...only you, only you.
My heart begins to pulse with the heart of divine love beating throughout all time and space....spoken, sung and prayed with all the chorus of angels and archangels...the communion of saints.
I sit with you, receiving you, desiring you and accepting with awe and humility the amazing reality that you desire....me....the wounded, sin-sick soul.
I would linger at your table, Jesus, for as long as you know I need...however...
I hear you call me forth, for you are always moving .... I hear you say, "your faith has made you well....follow me"
I will, I must, I want to, and by leaning always toward you, I am assured that I can.
Thank you. I love you. Amen.
1 comment:
Pam - This weekend I was blessed to hear several meaningful sermons on this text. Your comments have been a wonderful addition, providing additional insights and encouragement towards action.
It is easy to be in a "comfort zone" of faith life, but we need to be reminded to follow Jesus outside of our comfort zone, into actions that reflect that we are his disciples. Yes, our worship experience often is soothing to our "sick cells" (I love that word picture), but as we are nurtured and repaired by our great physician, we also need to go forth.
May God Bless you while you continue to encourage us in our journey to wholeness.
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