Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Readings

“Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Jesus’ retort to the Pharisees questioning him and his disciples about eating with “tax collectors and sinners” in today’s gospel passage from Matthew (9:9-13). I suspect we’ve all known those questions that aren’t really seeking an answer but are making a statement, a judgment, an accusation. Snarky-like. And Jesus was ready with his retort, adding, “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” It sounds to my ears like Jesus was saying I’m not here for you, I’m not calling you, because apparently you don’t need me; you’re righteous, morally superior, you’ve got it all figured out.

And what about me? Do I put myself in a similarly morally superior position? A self-righteous one who, as it turns out, doesn’t really need Jesus (the “physician”) because I’ve got it all figured out? That’s a scary thought – and probably one worth pondering. So I decided that maybe I ought to “go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”  This is what I found…

According to Scripture scholars, Jesus is quoting a verse from Hosea (6:6) that would have been familiar to the Pharisees. I also saw it translated as “I desire love, not sacrifice.” Jesus was likely addressing the understanding that, based on Jewish law, being “at table” with sinners and tax collectors would result in ritual impurity. Apparently, this was not Jesus’ primary concern. His main concern seemed to be showing mercy, showing love, and being a spiritual “physician” for “the sick” – even joining them “at table,” rather than judging from a distance.

And what about us? Are we more concerned about appearing “righteous” or believing we’re morally superior than we are about actually following Jesus, living the love and mercy God desires of us? Perhaps right now more than ever, in the now-famous words of Pope Francis, the Church needs to be a “field hospital” that cares for the sick and wounded after battle. We are the Church, we are the Body of Christ. Righteous and sinners alike, may we live as Jesus lived and calls us to live, choosing mercy and love in our interactions with everyone and anyone this day, this week, this year. Amen.

~Eileen Miller