Recently, there was a film series on television entitled "The Chosen," which has been widely received as the most recent rendition of the public life of Christ. An extraordinary amount of research has been done by modern theological, archeological, and sociology scholars. What is different about this film is that it begins with the lives of the apostles before their encounter with the person of Jesus.
The film realistically portrays the life of Matthew as a tax collector and most likely one who lined his own pockets with money he had extorted from his own people. His Jewish brothers and sisters likely despised his presence among them, and no doubt made his life miserable. He is portrayed as one who lived a comfortable existence as opposed to his Jewish neighbors. He was able to ingratiate himself with the Roman authorities because he was able to offer his talents as he had been the recipient of some education.
As we know, most of the chosen twelve were quick to respond to the call of Jesus including the likes of Matthew. The Gospels recount his initial meeting with Jesus while he was seated at his customs station. (Matthew 9:9) We are told that Jesus looked at Matthew in such a way that this notorious Roman servant rose from his post and fell in line with the other apostles without explanation. The word that is intriguing to me in this meeting is the implication of the word look/glance.
How do we resolve this look of the Lord as being able to change a life so dedicated to earthly pursuits to one that would call for great sacrifice? No doubt Jesus looked beyond the corrupt tax collector’s outward appearance as he saw the potential of each of his apostles regardless of their questionable backgrounds. Even an extortionist like Matthew, a cynic like Thomas, a thief like Judas, or a disloyal friend like Peter could be welcomed to initiate a new revolutionary view of God's eternal love as expressed in the life of Jesus. So, Matthew becomes one of the first to tell this story which would impact the lives of millions of people across the centuries.
The Gospels were proclaimed and written as a reminder to each of us that we, too, were given that loving glance many years ago through the inspiration of a person who spoke to our hearts or gave an example, or by our reading a passage, or listening to a homily that allowed us to drop our personal pursuits in favor of following him. To be aware of God’s glance is our challenge because God's manifestations surround us every day and are still operative in our lives. All we need to do is to develop a sensitivity to this reality.
Every time we are moved by a beautiful sunset, a powerful storm, the breaking of a wave on the seashore, or by the warmth of a smile and the gentle touch of a friend, let us be grateful and amazed at the face of God looking at us, calling to us.
It has been said that God is hidden in plain sight. (Isaiah 45:15; Matthew 13: 10-17) Every day we have the opportunity to both give and receive the glance of God as we live out our lives with God's sons and daughters. Let us try to respond to their needs with the same swiftness that Matthew exemplified when he left his table without a thought to his own well-being to serve without question.
I am sure that each of us has had moments of inspiration to say a kind word or compliment an action, but we hesitated, and the moment was lost. But today, when we hear the call of Jesus and see him look our way, let us jump up as Matthew did and be God's glance of grace for each other.
Sister Helen Robert Boyd, OP
Sister Helen resides in Dominican Convent where she serves
on the Life Enrichment Committee and co-chairs the
Mission Outreach Committee.