Amos 8:4-6, 9-12 / Matthew 9:9-13 (2022)
It is not really easy for someone who has done wrong to get back onto the track of life again.
Even if they truly repent of their wrong-doing, their guilt remains etched on the minds of people.
For example, for those who have been released from prison, the label "ex-prisoner" will always be in the minds of those who know them.
And as long as people keep harping on guilt, then life is being drained away. Even if one has repented and made amends for the guilt, the chains of the past bind them again when others recall the guilt.
Often, those with a guilty past are made to feel that self-respect and self-worth count for less than zero.
That was the case with Matthew the tax-collector. He gained his wealth but he lost his worth. He got his revenue but lost his respect.
And it is indeed surprising that of all the virtuous people, Jesus would call such a person who is less than zero in the eyes of others.
It will take some time for us to understand that the Divine Healer came for the sick.
It will take some time for us to understand that the Saviour came for the sinner.
But in the meantime, what we need to show to those who have done wrong is to show them the mercy of God.