I Desire Mercy

One of the blessing of being a Deacon is the opportunity to preside over a Communion Service when a Priest is not available to give Mass. At my Parish I have the privilege of being able to occasionally provide this service at 6:30 during the week day. When I do, I always share a short homily.

Week Day Mass - September 21, 2022

Mt 9:9-13

Today is the Feast of Matthew the Apostle & Evangelist. The Gospels tell us that Matthew was a Tax collector, a position despised by the Israelites. In our Gospel reading for today Jesus gives out an assignment to the Pharisees (and all present) to “go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’” In this phrase, which Jesus is quoting from the book of the Prophet Hosea, He changes one word: loyalty to mercy. Why? What is the significance of this?

If this message is from God, which it is, then where does my loyalty lie? Who or what am I being loyal to? My loyalty should be to God and all his precepts. That been said, our God is a God of Love, and His love shows mercy without end. We read of His mercy in the Psalms and throughout the Old Testament. And now His mercy is revealed to us in His Son incarnate in the person of Jesus Christ.

In His mercy, Christ came to reconcile the lost sheep, to redeem all who have sinned. Which is why he not only heals the sick but eats and drinks with Tax Collectors and Sinners. Just like when He washes the feet of His disciples at the Last Supper, Jesus is giving us an example of who we are to be, a people of mercy.

Who are the tax collectors, the sinners in our world today? Who is it that we look down upon, and despise? If after receiving the Eucharist, or spending time in Adoration, or reciting devotionals and prayers, do not go forth and show mercy to these individuals, then we are simply giving burnt offerings that are meaningless. We need to go forth and look upon everyone with the eyes of Christ and share His mercy. Let us be loyal to our Savior and show mercy to all we meet and encounter.