Jesus calls Levi and eats with sinners
1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1/Ps. 21/Mark 2:13-17
Jesus says to Matthew, “Follow me,” the same way he said to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me,” and to James and John, “Follow me.” To follow him is a call to discipleship—a divine office that requires sincerity. If we follow him, then we shall not wallow.
On the other hand, the Scribes and Pharisees murmured against Jesus because of his association with Matthew, a sinner. Jesus ceased the opportunity to teach them: ‘I am a physician, and Matthew is sick’. Every sinner is sick and needs healing. Do not despise them.
The first reading from (1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17–19) underscores the themes of God’s sovereignty, the importance of inner qualities, divine appointments, humility, and trusting in God’s timing and purpose in our lives.
Thus, though Matthew was a tax collector, he possessed inner qualities that made him a good evangelist. Like the scribes and Pharisees, do not write people off; be patient with them and find a way to bring out the best in them.
Let us pray
Father, you call your children to walk in the light of Christ. Free us from darkness and keep us in the radiance of your truth. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
