Preffering empty sacrifice
TO MERCY
TO MERCY
Among the Jews, tax collectors were a
despised group. They were Jews themselves, but they acted on behalf of the
occupying Roman government. As such they were considered traitors. They
received no pay from the Romans. They made their living by overcharging their
fellow countrymen; what was over and above the required tax they were allowed
to keep for themselves. For that they were considered thieves. As traitors and
thieves, they were treated with hatred and contempt, but not by Jesus.
In a way one cannot blame the Pharisees
for objecting to Jesus eating with tax collectors. After all, Amos the prophet
did condemn those Israelites who had cheated at business deals and taken
advantage of the poor. What the Pharisees failed to understand was that Amos meant
his words of condemnation as an admonition, which would lead to repentance. He
was like a doctor who warns a patient that his way of living is so injurious to
his health that if it continues it will prove fatal.
Jesus stated his identical concern clearly:
"People who are in good health do not need a doctor; sick people do"
(Mt 9:12). Jesus associated with known
sinners to offer them the medicine of repentance. But then He turned the tables
on the Pharisees by saying, "Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'It is
mercy I desire and not sacrifice'" (Mt 9:13). This too was a message from
Amos. The Israelites of his day were exact, if not devout, in observing the
prescriptions of the law about worship, but they were unmerciful in their
dealings with others, especially in business matters. The Pharisees considered
themselves observers of the law, but their hearts were not filled with mercy
and compassion toward their fellow people.
We all at one time or another in our
lives long for healing and hunger to be fed. St. Paul says in Romans: "Yet in faith
we believe that no unworthiness closes the door to Jesus' welcome." No sin
or weakness silences Jesus' word of grace. When Jesus welcomes us to His table,
we come not because we have managed to get our lives in order and have set
things right. We come in total trust that Jesus Christ, through His life,
death, and resurrection has come and set things right.
Jesus has called us all to repentance.
Jesus has bathed us with the medicinal waters of baptism and strengthened us
with nourishment of the Eucharist. What He wants in return is a true love for
others. The love we have received is to be shared.