July 2, Friday Weekday 

One does not live by bread alone; but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. — Matthew 4:4 

Mass Readings: Amos 8:4-6,9-12 / Matthew 9:9-13 

A Church of Sinners 

If your parish is anything like mine, it holds a motley crew. A few are well dressed in their Sunday best when they show up for Mass. Others are in jeans. Some stroll to their pews, other struggle with walkers or roll their wheelchairs to their accustomed spot. Some are well groomed, others haven’t seen a bathtub or shower for quite some time.  

These are all appearances, of course, but people judge by appearances. I suspect the Pharisees in today’s Gospel were also judging by appearances when they criticized Jesus for dining with “tax collectors and sinners.” I’m not sure there are any tax collectors in my parish (there are civil servants, though), but I am sure there are sinners. At least, knowing myself as I do, I’m sure there’s one.

Prayer: Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me, a sinner.