Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, somebody targeted by the community as a turncoat and a sinner. Mark and Luke call him Levi. Jesus called and Matthew responded quickly.
Matthew celebrated his conversion by having a big party and inviting his tax collector friends and Jesus. Somehow the Pharisees saw this and objected. Jesus reminded the Pharisees that God has more interest in mercy than in sacrifices.
This is important to remember. Matthew’s Gospel comes to us after the destruction of the Jewish Temple, a time when sacrifice had ended, and all they had left was mercy. This is a reminder that Matthew’s community does not need the temple for their worship of God: mercy replaces sacrifices.
We need this lesson also. We Catholics rejoice to have the Mass as a way of sharing in Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection. Through the Mass we are put in touch with Christ’s sacrifice. We still need this lesson. We do not worship God properly unless mercy accompanies our participation in the sacrifice.
We come to Mass and worship, needing God’s mercy, receiving that mercy, and pledging to pass on that mercy to others. Otherwise, we are not sharing in the sacrifice and sacrificial meal of the Eucharist and Mass worthily.
Remember, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice!”