Gospel: September 21, 2026

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist

Psalter: Proper (Red)

Ps 19:2-3, 4-5

Their message goes out through all the earth.

1st Reading: Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus moved on from there, he saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and he said to him, “Follow me!” And Matthew got up and followed him. Now it happened, while Jesus was at table in Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners joined Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?”

See Also

3 of 4 ex-justices: Votes to convict not fixed at 16

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do. Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Reflection:

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Jesus was clear about his mission, “to call sinners.” This is the will of the Father, to save and bring all his children back to his kingdom. It is no wonder that Jesus associates and shares with sinners. This is the very reason for his coming. Can we also share with those known and hated as sinners in our community? Let us continue to encourage and help our loved ones and neighbors not to fall into sin because we have an obligation and duty to participate in their salvation.