What good news this is! And it is what we begin to experience also in recovery when we complete Step One: “We admitted we were powerless over _______—that our lives had become unmanageable.” Without knowledge of our powerlessness (“bad news” to the ego,) the Good News of relationship with Jesus, the ultimate solution, could never be fully realized. The Good News is the living person of Jesus, here with us in the Church through the sacraments. He is with us literally at the table in the form of the Eucharist during Mass.

It is also striking that Matthew, someone who “calculates” for a living, essentially signs a “blank check” and gives it to Jesus. Matthew does not sit down to calculate; he simply accepts the invitation. He recognizes something in Jesus that impels him to act. And in this way, we are reminded of another step in recovery (Step Three): “Made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

May we trust in Jesus like Saint Matthew without counting the cost. Saint Matthew, pray for us.

Reflection Questions

• What has prevented or still prevents you from giving Jesus your all? Are there groups you tend to think of as social outcasts? Can you picture them “at table” with Jesus?
• Can you think of a time when you followed Jesus without calculating the cost through the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Where did Jesus lead you?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 106:1b-2, 3-4a, 4b-5
Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13

Reflection by Stephanie N.