Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark 2, 13-17

Jesus went out along the sea.
All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;
for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

From Collecting Money to Collecting Souls

1. Jesus saw Levi. The way Jesus looks at people is different from our own. Perhaps you approach others with a “calculating” mindset, holding back because you’re constantly measuring and assessing them. Maybe you have an “elitist” gaze; you judge based on social status or only connect with those who offer some personal advantage. How do you look at people today? Jesus views people with compassion, simplicity, and humility. He isn’t interested in resumes or qualifications; He looks at the heart.

2. Dining at Levi’s home. As a new follower, Levi invites Jesus into his home and personal life, holding nothing back. By opening his door, Levi allows Jesus to see everything—dirty dishes, clutter, and all. In essence, welcoming Jesus means being honest and vulnerable, showing your true self without shame and opening up to Him completely. Consider those who have had to make decisions or change their lifestyle in ways they didn’t expect—priests who left ministry and have now started families, or people who have divorced and started anew. These paths weren’t planned, and when searching for Jesus, some may hesitate to let Him into their private struggles for fear of being judged or misunderstood. Yet Jesus seeks out Levi, a public sinner known for wrongdoing. If He went after Levi, why wouldn’t He come looking for you?

3. The scribes. The scribes and Pharisees view things differently. They judge by appearances and fail to notice the inner transformation of those who meet Jesus. Levi didn’t fit the mold of a “good Jew,” so they couldn’t see the change taking place within him. Meeting God allowed Levi to transform from a “white-collar thief” into a savior of souls, but they remained blind to his renewal, having already condemned him. How often do we do the same, judging those who may one day become apostles of God’s mercy? How do you see others?

Remember that something good is on the way!

God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.