Friday of the 13th Week: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: WE ARE ALL SICK
(Matthew 9:9–13)
Yes, we are all sick. In one way or the other, we have our sicknesses. It is not only physical. It could be moral, psychological and, more still, spiritual. It is good we acknowledge our sickness. It will be wonderful that we tell ourselves the truth. That will help us to welcome the treatment of the doctor that will bring healing remedy to our situation.
Jesus came to Matthew today. A man whose sinfulness is a public one. He called him to follow Him. He left all, having for long been tired of living the way he’s been living. He sat at table with Jesus. He went for consultation. He reasoned together with the Lord. He sought for a way forward. He was fed not just physically but spiritually and at the same time received the medicine for his soul.
But out there were the Pharisees who believed that Jesus was wrong to have given Matthew an audience. For them Matthew was too unclean to be close to any man of integrity. But Jesus made them to know that it is people like Matthew who accepted their faults, weakness and regretted their sin that made Him to come. Therefore, those of them who think are well will be missing a lot of divine opportunities.
The Pharisees were more sick than the publican Matthew. But the fact that their sins were still hidden made them to have guts to condemn others. The earlier we all acknowledged our faults, both the seen and the unseen ones, the better for us in our journey with the Lord. Let us pray today for the grace to be healed inside out. May we not make God a liar by calling ourselves righteous when we are not perfect in the sight of God.
LET US PRAY
We thank You Lord for Your word today. We are sorry for the many times we claimed to be what we are not. We bring ourselves before Your throne of mercy begging that You heal us. Oh, heavenly physician heal us in soul and body and keep us close to You all the days of our lives through Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless your Friday (13th Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh