MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 4 JULY
July 4, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT ANTHONY MARIA ZACCARIA – 5th JULY
July 5, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
4 JULY, 2025
Matthew 9:9-13
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him—an act that would have shocked many, as tax collectors were considered sinners and traitors by the Jewish people. Yet Jesus sees beyond societal labels and into the heart. His response to the Pharisees reveals His mission: to call not the righteous, but sinners. Christ’s grace is extended to those who recognize their need for mercy. This challenges us to examine our own hearts—do we look down on others, or do we see them through the eyes of Jesus? It is a call to humility, compassion, and the awareness that all of us stand in need of God’s grace.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your mercy that reaches even the most unlikely. Forgive me when I judge others or think myself better. Teach me to see with Your eyes and to love with Your heart. Help me to follow You wholeheartedly, just as Matthew did. May my life reflect Your grace and invite others into Your healing presence. Amen
