While he was at table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." (Mt 9:9-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070723.cfm
The Eating and Drinking with sinners is a key element of the Table Ministry of Jesus, one we forget way too often. Perhaps that’s why the church puts the words of the centurion on our lips before we approach the Sacrament to remind us that the Lord still welcomes sinners to His Table: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Friday, Week XIII, Ordinary Time
