Friday July 4th: Mercy in action

Mercy sees the person before the sin, the need before the rule.

Matthew 9: 9 – 13

In today’s gospel, we see Jesus call a tax collector, Matthew, who immediately follows Him. This moment is more than just obedience; it is mercy in action. Tax collectors were despised as collaborators and sinners, yet Jesus sees Matthew not for what he has done, but for who he could become. Mercy begins in the heart of Christ, and Matthew responds not with defensiveness or hesitance, but with hospitality. He invites Jesus to a meal with other sinners, an act of solidarity, humility, and grace.

Jesus’ words, “What I want is mercy, not sacrifice,” challenge us to consider what pleases God most. It is not rigid rituals or religious performances, but an inner attitude of love and compassion. Mercy sees the person before the sin, the need before the rule. When Matthew welcomes the rejected into his home to sit with Jesus, he mirrors the mercy he himself received. We too can be people who extend mercy, not judgment, who welcome rather than exclude, and who follow Jesus with hearts open to all.