A rejected block of marble that Donatello scorned became, years later, Michelangelo’s David. That image opens a reflection on Jesus meeting Matthew, a tax collector shut out of his own nation (Matthew 9), a man to whom Jesus sets no conditions and simply says: follow me. The sermon asks whom we write off by the cover, and why the church can never be a place where anyone feels unwanted. Listen and see what Jesus notices in a person everyone else has already given up on.
Being with Jesus
Like Jesus
When children are young, they learn by observing the behavior of adults. Teenagers have their own idols whom they admire and try to emulate. Even adults seek out role models who inspire them and whose views they follow. However, in this world where everyone follows someone, Jesus’ invitation remains as relevant as ever: “Follow Me and imitate Me.”
This is a call to something more than simply admiring His teaching, drawing inspiration from His views, or even recognizing Him as a moral authority. Following Jesus transforms our entire lives. It means that we choose to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus does.
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9 sermons
