Father, today's scripture is a wonderful reminder that Jesus never distanced Himself from anyone, including sinners. While the scribes and Pharisees were busy standing in their self-righteous attitude having nothing to do with the sinners, Jesus chose to get up close and personal with the sinner. In fact, He was so up close and personal that He didn't fear they would rub off on Him, His approach was that He would rub off on them. Jesus never walked around anyone, instead He walked right up to them and said, "Follow me." He knew where the rub was. The distance between Jesus and the sinner was as close as a rub. Thank You Father for this wonderful state of awareness that the Good within me can be used to rub off on others.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew

Matthew 9:9-13

9 As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and He said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed Him.

10 And as He sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and His disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 But when He heard it, He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

13 Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to You Lord Jesus Christ

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