Monday 21 September

ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (F)

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9:9-13

Have compassion

The Psalm gives praise for God’s creation. The laws of the universe even impressed Stephen Hawking, and, in them, he found something to believe in. But rules and laws, though admirable, are not where Jesus is at. He wants us to be compassionate. The Pharisees were upset when Jesus sat with sinners and tax collectors. But Jesus made it very plain – mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice. Jesus, help us to grow in compassion.