September 21 2021 - St. Matthew - I desire mercy, not sacrifice

 

When the Pharisees ask his disciples why the Lord eats with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus tells the Pharisees to go and learn the meaning of the passage, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Let’s dwell on that. 

What’s so special about that line from the prophet Hosea? How does it explain the Lord’s behavior?

Hosea had been sent as God’s prophet to the Northern Kingdom during its final days. Although the North was experiencing economic prosperity and growth, on the inside it had grown corrupt, morally decrepit, and adulterous. The problem wasn’t just leadership, either.  As a people, the Israelites had also broken their covenant with God. Not only had they given themselves over to idolatry, Hosea writes that they had also “plowed wickedness,” “reaped injustice,” “eaten the fruit of lies,” and trusted in their own ways (Hosea 10:13). They had turned to other gods for answers (Hosea 4:12) and other nations for assistance instead of God (Hosea 7:11). 

Yet, they continued to offer sacrifice to God in the Temple. It was like they wanted it both ways. They thought they could maintain right relationship with God through the offering of Temple Sacrifices while also maintaining a corrupt, idolatrous, adulterous lifestyle. 

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice” is a call to interior conversion, and that is being offered to all people. Jesus is eating with tax collectors and sinners because he is drawing near to all people, announcing that God’s mercy is readily available to them, if they turn away from their sins, and endeavor to love God with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, through Him. 

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”, I’ve come for those who recognize themselves as sinners in need of mercy, in need of forgiveness, in need of transformation, not those who think themselves perfect, or who can make themselves perfect through simple human efforts.

Man cannot be in right relationship with God just because he offers the right sacrifices on the right days of the year. His life, his attitude toward his neighbor, including his fellow sinners, needs to be animated by true, authentic, love. Most of the pharisees reject the Lord’s teaching here, refusing to understand and heed his words, and they will remain “white-washed tombs” as the Lord calls them.

But Matthew, the tax collector, whose feast we celebrate today, heads the Lord’s call, his invitation to new life, to mercy. May we do the same, for the glory of God and salvation of souls. 

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That the members of the Church may seek every deeper union with the Lord through humble repentance of sin. Let us pray to the Lord.

For all those trapped in cycles of sin or addiction, that they may heed the Lord’s invitation to forgiveness and freedom.

For an end to indifference to God and human dignity in our government and educational institutions, businesses, and personal attitudes.

During this month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, we pray for all those who grieve, and that we may grieve sufficiently for our sins.

That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the 

For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom. We pray.

O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.