Today’s gospel, 4 July: "Follow me."







Jesus calls Matthew 
from a church window in the Netherlands 
Source: Pixabay


Today’s gospel    Matthew 9:9-13


As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.

And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’

 




The Calling of Matthew
by Orcagna, Florence, 1367-68
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orcagna,_s._matteo_e_santi_,_da_orsanmichele_(uffizi),_1367-68,_05.jpg

In this 14th century painting Jesus is presented as standing between the diminutive figure of Matthew and his critics, suggesting protection. 




Sacred Space

You can find a helpful prayer guide with a short reflection on the gospel here:

https://sacredspace.com/daily-prayer/2025-07-04/



Christian Art

You can find a helpful reflection on the gospel here:

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