Page:Jesus of Nazareth the story of His life simply told (1917).djvu/190

 this and heard Him preach. But to be noticed by Him, to be called to be His disciple—this was an honour he had never dreamed of. Not another thought for the business he was leaving, for the money just taken, for what people would say. The great Prophet and Wonderworker had called him—him a publican! His heart leaped with joyful surprise: It seemed too good to be true.

Publicans were looked upon as traitors to their country and to their God, because they collected the taxes for the Romans, and as enormous sinners because of the injustice of which many among them were guilty. Every Jew, even the poorest, shunned and despised them. The righteous Pharisees drew away their garments lest those of a publican should touch and defile them. It must have astonished the disciples themselves to find a publican admitted into their little band. As for Matthew, he was obliged to find an outlet for his joy by giving a feast at which many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and His disciples. How delightful it is to think of our Blessed Lord making Himself at home in such company!

But some Pharisees came in at the open door to look on, as was usual in the East, and to find fault and disturb the happy gathering, which was not usual.

"Why doth your Master eat and drink with publicans and sinners?" they asked the disciples.

Jesus hearing it said to them: "They that are well need not the physician, but they that are sick. I came not to call the just but sinners."

Perhaps these just ones went away ashamed. Anyway we hear of no further objections at that time.