Gospel: 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.”
Reflection
Tax collectors were known as sinners and unworthy individuals back in the day. And although the perception of the IRS is not as negative today, let’s be honest…we’re still not counting down the days until April 15th.
Despite what others may have thought though, Jesus went out seeking those He felt needed the most help and guidance — though we’re all sinners and we all need a nudge here and there.
Jesus said two very powerful words: “Follow me.” Levi was able to answer Jesus’ call and leave everything else behind. If Jesus came to you, today, and said, “Follow me” …would you follow Him? Why or why not?
Most of us don’t go a few minutes without checking our Facebook pages or sending a text message. Could we leave our phones, computers, cars and other fancy material objects behind and trust God to lead us somewhere?
Sometimes doing what we know is best for us is hard, but in the end we know those decisions bring us more peace, joy and comfort. Following Jesus certainly would bring us all of those things. We would gain much more than we would lose or leave behind.
Steven and Amanda Dwyer, Directors of Life Teen,
St. Thomas More, Henderson, NV
- Being Viatorian is important to us, because this is a community that supports and encourages overall education and the participation of our youth.
- One thing we are doing during Lent this year is clearing away obstacles that keep us from listening to and following God.