followed him. Now it happened, while Jesus was at table in Matthew’s house, many tax
collectors and sinners joined Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they
said to his disciples, “Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people
do. Go, and find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come
to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Reflect

Catholic social teaching rests on the concept of the common good. The common good is the
network of relationships – including religious, cultural, political, and familial – that allow
people to live in dignity and fulfill their human potential. Put more simply, this means that
people have what they need – food, shelter, health care, education, meaningful employment,
safety. We are committed to supporting the common good because, as our first reading
states, we have been baptized into one body and one Spirit. We are called to unity in
Christ. Part of that unity means placing our gifts at the service of the community. As Paul
taught the Ephesians, we should use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ. What gifts has
God given you? How can those gifts help others? What obstacles prevent you from sharing
these gifts? What opportunities are available to use those gifts in service to your brothers
and sisters? How can your gifts contribute to the common good?

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023