the son of Alpheus. Jesus said to him, “Follow me!” And Levi got up and followed him.
And it so happened that, when Jesus was eating in Levi’s house, tax collectors
and sinners sat with him and his disciples; there were a lot of them, and they used to
follow Jesus.
But Pharisees, men educated in the law, when they saw Jesus eating with sinners
and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does your master eat and drink with
tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus heard them, and answered, “Healthy people don’t
need a doctor, but sick people do. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Reflect
Early in his papacy, Pope Francis spoke about one of his favorite paintings, a
painting that happens to depict the scene in today’s Gospel. The Calling of Saint
Matthew by Caravaggio is in a chapel of the Church of Saint Louis of France, a
beautiful church not far from the Vatican. The painting shows the moment that Jesus
invites Matthew (called Levi by Mark) to follow him. The light seems to pour out of
Jesus, coming to rest on Matthew who is counting his money as he looks up in
amazement that Jesus actually wants him as a follower.
Not only did Jesus invite Levi to follow him, he even ate with Levi and his friends. Once
again, Jesus’ actions surprise the religious authorities. Tax collectors collaborated with
the hated Romans and were known for cheating their neighbors. Why would a religious
teacher voluntarily spend time with sinners and outcasts? To Jesus, no one is a lost
cause, no one is beyond his mercy. Jesus extends his invitation to each of us. If we
respond to that invitation and ask for his forgiveness, Jesus is always ready to welcome us.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023