As Jesus passed by,
he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed him.
While he was at table in his 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
Mercy is the disposition to be kind and forgiving. Founded on compassion, mercy differs from compassion or the feeling of sympathy in putting this feeling into practice with a readiness to assist. It is therefore the ready willingness to help anyone in need, especially in need of pardon or reconciliation.
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/dictionary/index.cfm?id=34849
A sacrifice is a loss or something you give up, usually for the sake of a better cause. It is also an act of slaughtering an animal or person or surrendering a possession as an offering to God or to a divine or supernatural figure.
Merriam-Webster
God is a fountain of mercy that never ends through His Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, if you are a tireless repentant sinner. Don’t forget repentance means to make a change in your life. A lifestyle change. A resolute heart to believe in Jesus Christ, the Word made Flesh. A dedication that perseveres through good times and bad. We, too, must be a fountain of mercy to all around us.
When I looked up a Catholic definition for sacrifice every website was headed the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice. The one sacrifice of His body, blood, soul, and divinity for the sake of humanity. What happened in history now happens in mystery, a re-presentation of the Passion and Death of Christ. God has the power to bring us back to the foot of the cross at every Mass. Amazing! There was no longer a need for animal sacrifices. At Mass, we join our sin, suffering, blessings, and prayers with Jesus and offer them to the Father on the altar. Jesus continues to sacrifice Himself staying hidden behind bread and wine, so that we may be transformed into an other Christ. We need time for this to happen, that is why we are here. Those who give all, transform more quickly, and all recognize their holiness. Others may take more time, but Jesus is always waiting, it is His greatest desire. Jesus desires mercy not sacrifice because He wants us the sinner to come to Him to repent, change our lives, and allow Him to love us and have mercy on us. Jesus came to have the ultimate relationship with us which is continual transformation in our lives. He gives us purpose to our suffering. This does not mean we do not need to sacrifice, this is part of the transformation.
Today’s challenge: Recognize you are a sinner who needs a Savior. Never tire of coming to Christ in prayer, the sacraments, and strengthening all of your relationships by giving mercy and love to them as Christ has for you. Listen to Pope Francis general audiences to learn more about mercy in this Year of Mercy in the Church.
Pope Francis general audiences can be found at Rome Reports.
Be a servant, become a saint!
#Christian YOLO
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