everythingcatholic

My favorite scripture of all time is: Matthew 9:11-13. In this scripture Jesus has critics who ask, “why does your master spend so much time with tax collectors…?” Back then the tax collector was the hated man and was a man associated with being evil and a sinner. Jesus responded, “’It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick … I did not come to call the virtuous but sinners’ “(cf. Mt 9:11-13). Jesus’s statement rings home to me because how often in our lives do we sit and say, “look what so and so is doing, how can they still go to church and do such things!” In other words we often spend a lot of time watching TMZ and commenting on other people then focusing on our own lives and on Jesus.

In this passage Jesus addresses me personally. I know I am not perfect and that I need to heal. He gives people like me hope that someday we will be in heaven next to our Lord no matter what are faults are. There are some who are always so quick to judge others. I am guilty of that too. This Michael Jackson deal is one of those times. Why are we always so quick to believe that someone is evil? Why not just celebrate a man who has died for the good that he brought on Earth. Michael Jackson was one of those figures who was surrounded by controversy but did a lot of good too. That is my Michael tribute.

Moving on, Fr. Father Thomas Rosica, CSB writes:

“It was those who were willing to rebuild their lives who were most ready to listen to Jesus and become his disciples. You can follow in their footsteps, you too can grow particularly close to Jesus because you have chosen to turn back towards him.”

We often as humans do not see a person improving with his relation with Jesus because it is a personal journey. We only see what is outside and not what is inside. People grow at different rates. Jesus affects us all in different ways. I guess that is why I started Catholic America Today so that people could talk about how Jesus affects them. I having so much suffered from temptation and sin have often cried for Jesus to bring me home because life was so hard. Jesus has kept me going. Some days I have no idea how I am going to pay the rent or get enough money to eat and he answers me. It is never a grandiose thing with Jesus. He just does things in his own way and often quiet. So quiet you may not notice he is there. You need to be silent or you might miss him. He helps those that need the most help. He helps the sinners get through life, so if you know someone that is down and out and having a hard time coping with life due to drugs, sex addiction or just plain sin and pain, chances are you will find Jesus there too. Like the above scriptures states, he is there to help the sinners for they are the sick ones. I know, I have been sick and I needed healing and he came.

Jesus helped me return to a loving relationship, one that respects family and family members. Jesus helped me to realize that material things and pleasure are not what is important in life. I was so far away from Jesus I did not worship him. I worshiped the pleasure that came with money and sex and lost sight of Jesus. I hope all of you do not have to suffer as I did. Sex addiction and addiction to money and all its nuances can bring down many. I am just glad Jesus did not abandon me. This is his message, no matter how low you go, he will always be there for you. When you are in total darkness he is the light at the end. He brings light to all darkness. In Matthew 9:11-13 I see my hope. In this scripture I see Jesus as my Doctor and salvation I hope you all do too.  Vernpaul catholicamericatoday.net