The Calling Of Matthew

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

June 08, 2026

in Spritual Growth

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June 07, 2026

Readings:
Hosea 5: 15-6:6
Romans 4:13-18
Matthew 9:9-13

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time 2026 Homily – Abp. Hines

Many Christians (us included), seek for things that are beneficial to us. Not totally wrong, but we need to acknowledge that God is the one who makes all things possible. What we own passes away, what God gives is eternal. He has blessed us with all things for a purpose, and that is to walk like Christ.

The Gospel today is about Matthew the tax collector, who was hated by people but was called by God. He was a publican and was also known as Levi. Christ saw Matthew and simply said, “follow me.” Matthew left his office, resigned as tax collector and obeyed Christ. Like Jesus Himself who had been called and knew His calling, nothing would hinder that calling. Matthew heard the voice of Jesus and obeyed. He made the choice to follow Christ. During this time, Rome was in charge of the taxes, and they would assign tax collectors to be the ones to take money from the people. Any excess would then go to these tax collectors. Romans 1:6 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Matthew knew his calling and called for a feast and invited many others including tax collectors so that they could listen to Christ. Are we thinking of Christ in our lives?

Here again in the Gospel account, the Pharisees passed by and saw Christ eating with the tax collectors. The Pharisees were very self-righteous and followed the law to the letter. Everything for them had to be “pure.” They did not want to be associated with anything or anyone who was considered evil. Jesus’ response was, “those who are whole do not need a physician.”

This is what Christ was showing us. We have a task, a mission to reach out to the needy. Matthew 9:13 “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” And if we are busy with our mission, we will not be tempted to do wrong. After Christ’s resurrection and ascension, it is now our turn to stand in the midst of the darkness to show others the greatness of God, that we would be able to stand in the darkness and overcome problems. Matthew the Apostle was known to have established many churches and did many things for Christ. Like Matthew, we must have the confidence to be able to lead others, and in doing so we give honor and praise to God.