Saturday gospel

Mt 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by,
he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, "Follow me."
And he got up and followed him.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners came
and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,
"Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
He heard this and said,
"Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words,
I desire mercy, not sacrifice.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."

It's easy to hurry over this reading. Yer,yer,yer I know it!

"The Chosen" gives a memorable renditioning of it. Mathew is autistic but brilliant with sums. He is despised and despite his wealth has only a dog as a friend. When Jesus calls him he jumps at the opportunity and leaves his office immediately. The other apostles snub him. But Jesus is kind. The power of His gaze is irresistible. He sees Mathew and Mathew looks into Jesus' eyes. Mathew recognizes instantly the divine authority.