The Feast of St Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop and Doctor of
the Church.
The Choice, Call and Anointing of St Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is a good example in the workings of Divine Providence and the subject of our reflection today.
"Jesus went out along the sea. All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus.
"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him.
"Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors and said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
"Jesus heard this and said to them, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mark 2: 13 - 17).
Saturday 13 January 2024 of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time is
the feast of St Hilary of Poitiers, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.
(315 - 368). French.
Why is France called the eldest daughter of the Church? Look at the dates of St Hilary and you will see why. Before 315 AD, the Church hierarchy already existed in France.
Hilary is remembered in history especially for these reasons:
#1. Hilary helped us understand and profess the Divinity of Jesus Christ. This is contained in the Nicene Creed.
#2. He worked to undermine the Arian heresy which had plagued the Church for a long time.
#3. Hilary developed an authoritative doctrine on the Holy Trinity.
#4. He helped the Church understand the deeper significance of the Incarnation.
Hilary understood that bad theology inevitably leads to heresy.
In the Gospel, Pharisees were scandalized to see Jesus in table fellowship with a large group of sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. The Pharisees not known to hold back their judgment on moral failure were quick to pass judgment and condemn Jesus.
There are a number of teaching points in this situation, but let us consider the workings of Divine Providence in this story.
Our life in Christ is never about what we do or are doing at any time. It is about what Jesus is doing in us. You are where you are because this is exactly where God wants you to be.
There are no accidents in life. Everything is Divine Providence.
Jesus has a Divine Appointment with Levi also called Matthew in today's Gospel.
Our Gospel of today is the Choice and Call of Matthew.
"As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, sitting at the customs post. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed Jesus." Jesus chose and called Matthew. The initiative and action is Always by Jesus.
This is Divine Providence in action.
Jesus has shown and said that He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. He knows who we are and the stuff of which we are made. Remember the Genealogy of Jesus Christ Son of David? That's the whole point. Jesus is part of our lineage. He came to redeem and save His kith and kin.
Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother and sister. Do not be ashamed to call Him your Lord.
St Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist and Recorder aid us with your intercession.
For the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and prayer intentions click the link below:
http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/12/litany-of-most-holy-name-of-jesus.html?m=1
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