Lenten Day IV [Day]

Lenten Day IV [The Sabbath]

Collect of the Day [Rite I]

Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities, and in all our dangers and necessities stretch forth thy right hand to help and defend us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Assigned Gospel

Luke 5:27–32

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, "Follow me."  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance."

http://bible.com/59/luk.5.27-32.ESV

Lenten Reflection

Again we are given this image of Jesus as a physician.  If we hear something more than once, make sure to note it's significance.  This thing, whatever it is, should not be forgotten.

The call of Matthew is a very special call for me.  I have some affection for this apostle.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  One is that my priestly ministry began in a sacred place named in his memory and placed under his patronage.  Around this time of the year,  in 2003, the process was under way that would find me being called to my first pastoral call at St. Matthew's Church.  In the 14 years that have followed that initial call in my priestly ministry I have been reminded again and again of the Matthews in our midst whom Jesus loves.

Part of the reason I cherish this so much also is that there is something of Matthew in me.  I cannot make any claim to doing something like collecting taxes, but I am very aware of the fact that Jesus did not call me to be a priest because I was worthy.  On the contrary, I believe and am amazed at how God takes us precisely because of our unworthiness and brokenness and completes what is lacking by filling that void with divine presence and healing, also known by that great old English word sadly infrequently used; succor.

In these years I have served as a priest, I have come to learn that there is far more of God's succor in the composition of this priest than there is my own intelligence and talents.  It is not a coincidence that as a result, nearing the 14th anniversary of my priestly ordination (St. Ireneaus' Feast Day), and approaching my 40th birthday (Bright Monday), this moment in time is the healthiest in the years I have served as a priest.  Oh if only I had known at 26 what I know at almost 40.

And yet Jesus said to me in a time when I had no idea what I was in for, "Follow me."  And if St. Matthew were here, I imagine he'd have lots to say in response to my recalling how little I knew back then.  I think he would also tell me that I still don't fully appreciate how little I knew then.

This is true for all of us and not just me.  The wonder of our living into the faith is that when Jesus calls and we follow, we are not equipped or ready, even if we think we are, and are eager to show everyone, including Jesus, what wonderful things we can do.  We may fool others.  We certainly can trick ourselves.  But Jesus sees through it all.  And in spite of this, he loves us, and invites us to follow him, knowing fully well that times will occur when he needs to save us from ourselves and pick us up then dust us off when we fall.