God's Choices
Homily for Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Both readings for Friday of the 13th week in Ordinary Time reveal God’s choices. The first choice is that of a woman to be the wife of Isaac. The second choice is the calling of Matthew to be a disciple of Jesus.
The reading from the Book of Genesis is a condensed version of chapters 23 and 24. Abraham’s servant is diligent about reporting what has been asked of him by his master. Even when the parents of Rebecca asked for a 10-day reprieve before she left her home, Abraham’s servant wished to leave immediately. So, her parents left the choice up to Rebecca who chose to go with Abraham’s servant as soon as possible.
Similarly, Jesus does not give Matthew a great deal of time to make his decision to go with Jesus as a disciple. He must leave his customs post immediately. Not only does he follow Jesus, he hosts a dinner in his home for other tax collectors and so-called sinners.
In both instances, God’s choice is accepted wholeheartedly. In the case of Rebecca, she is asked to leave her family which represent her past, her present, and her future. In the case of Matthew, he is asked to leave his sinful attitudes and habits and anything that keeps him at a distance from God in order to follow Jesus. Both of them stand as representatives of people who were willing to accept a change in their situation.
As we stand in the presence of the Eucharistic Lord, let us ponder our individual calls and reflect on what Jesus sees in each of us as vital to his continuing mission in the world.
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