July 4 - Friday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I

(Gn.23:1-4,19,24:1-8,62-67;   Ps.106:1-5;   Mt.9:9-13) 

“In his love for [Rebekah] Isaac found solace

after the death of his mother Sarah.”

And of this love Jacob shall be born; and from him shall come the twelve tribes of Israel, who shall people the earth as the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.

Sarah had died and “Abraham had now reached a ripe old age.”  Now conscious of his mortality, Abraham sets his sights firmly on his son and his coming progeny.  Now with great resolve he sets to seek a wife for Isaac, telling his servant as he sends him to his people: the Lord “will send His messenger before you, and you will obtain a wife for my son there.”  And Abraham’s faith in God’s promise is rewarded, as the servant is led directly to Rebekah.  And how inspired is the meeting of Isaac and Rebekah.  We are told they are both looking about for one another, and seem to recognize each other immediately, even from a great distance.  Indeed, they are brought together by God to fulfill His promise to Abraham.

Notice in our gospel that Jesus seems to be looking around as well: “As Jesus moved about, He saw a man named Matthew at his post where taxes are collected.”  Like Abraham, Jesus, too, is concerned for His progeny, for those who will follow Him – those who will bring His promise of salvation forth when He has returned to the Father.  And He chooses Matthew as an apostle to follow Him.  And notice Matthew’s response to Jesus’ call: “Matthew got up and followed Him.”  It seems here, too, the love is mutual, that Matthew, too, has been looking about for the Lord, and that the two are drawn together by the Father to ensure the fulfillment of the covenant with His Son.  And Jesus, who has just come from public forgiveness of sin, seems not so much to be speaking to the Pharisees’ complaining of His eating with sinners, as to Matthew, whom He’s calling to carry out His mission of teaching and healing, when He says: “I have come to call, not the self-righteous, but sinners.”

The word goes forth.  The promise is sure.  It comes to us even this day.  The Lord provides for its care and will see it through to its fulfillment.  In each one of us His salvation is at work even now.  Brothers and sisters, mourn not so much for the sin which troubles your heart as you accept the Lord’s solace and rejoice in His mercy.  With the psalmist, say to the Lord: “Visit me with your saving help, that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones.”  Amen.

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O LORD, call our sinful souls into your loving arms,

that in death we may be comforted.

YHWH, how good you are to your inheritance; how you favor your people with your blessing.  How you watch over us and lead us to the accomplishment of your will, to finding prosperity in your presence.  We are but weak and sinful men, and yet you call us to sit at table with your Son in the kingdom, yet you call us to be your disciples and carry your Word forth.  O let your mercy indeed go forth to the ends of the earth!

Help us, O LORD, to observe what is right, to do always what is just in your sight.  Help us ever to follow in your way and be obedient to your command.  For what is your command to us but love itself; where does it lead but to your side?  We are sick, desolate and alone, but you would heal us by your grace.  And so you send your only Son to serve your will, to make us as your holy Bride.