GOD KNOWS WHAT'S INSIDE OUR HEARTS - 1/14/23 (Saturday of the First Week of Ordinary Time)

Mark 2:16–17

And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011423.cfm

Blessed Saturday! In today's gospel reading, we witnessed the calling of Levi, also known as St. Matthew, and the event when Jesus was eating together with other sinners and tax collectors. As expected, the Pharisees immediately had criticisms of our Lord by asking why He chose to eat with the sinners. Our Lord Jesus and the Pharisees both looked at the same people, but they had different perspectives. For our Lord, He invited them to follow Him while for the Pharisees, they wanted to separate themselves from such people whom they thought to be lower than them. What's the difference between their perspectives? It lies in the fact that Jesus can see the interior of the people, their hearts. It was easy for the Pharisees to judge people because they were only focused on the exterior of the people, their sinful deeds. But, Jesus sees something beyond our sinfulness and weaknesses. He may see the stains in our souls due to sins, but He also sees our potential. He sees that deep within our hearts, we can only be truly happy if we choose to follow God and love Him. 

Our Savior has been so compassionate with us that the more He sees our weaknesses, the more He desires to pour His overflowing mercy into our hearts, if we are only willing to accept His love and graces. He doesn't just see our hearts, but He also speaks within us. This was the reason why St. Matthew immediately followed Jesus when he was invited by our Lord. The words of Christ penetrated, not just the ears of St. Matthew, but also his heart and soul. Deep within us, God has the same message for us, "Follow Me." We are all invited by our Lord to trust Him and stay away from our sinful lifestyle because He loves us. Some of us may be struggling in life due to sins. Some may think that there is no chance for them to overcome such temptations like lustful thoughts and others. These are just lies. The more we realize our sins, the more we should look at the mercy of our Lord for us. Like the tax collectors and other sinners, may we choose to repent of our sins and give our time to God. The more we reflect on the Bible, the more that we will be transformed by the graces of God. May we also seek the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary who always prays for us because she only desires that we may be faithful Jesus. All of us have hope because Jesus Christ came to call and save the sinners. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth