Jesus calls a tax collector and dines with sinners—"I desire mercy, not sacrifice." The Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time reveals the physician who comes for the sick.
On the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A, in The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through this Sunday's readings and shows how the call of Matthew reveals a mercy that seeks out sinners.
In the Gospel (Matthew 9:9–13) Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector and reclines at table with tax collectors and sinners; challenged by the Pharisees, he answers, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice… I did not come to call the righteous but sinners." Dr. Pitre connects this to Hosea's plea for steadfast love rather than sacrifice (Hosea 6) and Paul's portrait of Abraham's faith (Romans 4).
GOSPEL, FIRST READING & PSALM TRANSCRIPT (Subscribe or Login for Full Transcript):
The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A continues our journey through the Gospel of Matthew. Here, the Church brings us to Matthew 9:9-13, a very famous passage that describes the call of Matthew, as well as some subsequent controversy that broke out over Jesus' willingness to dine with tax collectors, like Matthew, and sinners, who were evidently friends of Matthew, and Jesus' famous response to that criticism. So, let's hear what the Gospel says. Matthew 9:9 says...
SECOND READING TRANSCRIPT (SubscribeorLoginfor Full Transcript):
The 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A continues our journey through St. Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans. On this Sunday, the Church picks up in chapter 4 after Paul's discussion of justification by faith apart from works of the law in chapter 3. Now, Paul is going to give an example of his doctrine of justification by appealing to the figure of Abraham. This is a very important, concrete manifestation of what he means by justification by faith apart from the works of the law, in terms that anyone familiar with the Old Testament would be able to understand. In 4:18-25, Paul describes the justifying faith of Abraham in these terms...
The Readings for the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
First Reading: Hosea 6:3–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Second Reading: Romans 4:18–25
Gospel: Matthew 9:9–13
Key passages & sources examined: the call of Matthew the tax collector; the meal with sinners; "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" (Hosea 6); Jesus as the physician of the sick; the faith of Abraham in Romans 4.
What are the Mass readings for the Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A? Hosea 6:3–6; Psalm 50; Romans 4:18–25; and the Gospel, Matthew 9:9–13.
What does "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" mean? God values merciful love over mere ritual; Jesus comes to call and heal sinners, not the self-righteous.
Who is Matthew in the Gospel? A tax collector whom Jesus calls to follow him, and the traditional author of the first Gospel.
Why does Jesus eat with sinners? Because those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
