Friday 6 July

Amos 8:4-6,9-12, Ps.119A, Matthew 9:9-13

Judging by appearances

In the time of Jesus tax-collectors were loathed and distrusted by all. The only people willing to associate with them would be other outcasts. Of course this doesn’t happen in our present society – or does it? I see a group of large, heavily tattooed men; perhaps I will just cross to the other side of the street. That grubby, bearded young man in the forefront of a demonstration, I bet he’s a member of rent-a-crowd! That untidy woman, cigarette in mouth, with a number of unruly children; the whole family is probably living on the DPB.

Jesus, help me not to judge by appearances, but to see every person I will meet today as you see them, each one precious in your eyes.