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.

FEAST OF SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST, September 21

The Pharisees . . . 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 9:11-13)

The eating and drinking with sinners is a hallmark of the table ministry of Jesus. In fact, it’s probably one of the earliest memories of the Eucharist. And in a time like ours, when some folks still want to police the communion table, it’s probably good to remember that we are all called “to the Supper of the Lamb.”