Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 5, 27-32
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.
He said to him, “Follow me.”
And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house,
and a large crowd of tax collectors
and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying,
“Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Follow me
1. Go out. Many times, you and I stay in the parish church waiting for others to come in. It’s as if we fished in the fishbowl, we always invite the same people. This Lent go out and look for your brothers and sisters. There are people who need God, don’t let yourself be carried away by prejudice. Stop being so closed in on yourself and afraid of being known. Whoever loves you must love you as you are. Go out and open yourself to others because they are a gift from God to you.
2. Saw. Jesus shows us the ability to look at and actually “see” others and not ignore them. Don’t play dumb, accept your brothers and sisters. Those you are downtrodden in life today are your brothers and sisters. Those who are ignored or rejected are your brothers and sisters. Look around and see who you have in front of you. Remember we are all forgiven sinners, chosen by God for love.
3. Follow me. Jesus teaches you today that He does not look at anyone’s résumé. The only thing that matters to Him is to save us all. He asks us to open our heart to him. From being considered a public sinner, Matthew becomes a public follower. I am also a public sinner-follower. You too are a public sinner-follower, in that order: first a sinner and then a follower. God knows all your flaws and blemishes and, nevertheless, He continues to choose you. So, let’s thank God that He has chosen us to follow him. Let’s have the courage to follow Him, but let’s not forget that we were and are sinners. You are not a follower-immaculate, therefore, do not judge your brothers and sisters.
Don’t forget that something good is on the way!
God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
