followed Jesus. Levi gave a great feast for Jesus, and many tax collectors came to his house,
and took their places at the table with the other people. Then the Pharisees and their followers
complained to Jesus’ disciples, “How is it, that you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
But Jesus spoke up, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. have not come to
call the just, but sinners, to a change of heart.”
Reflect
“Springtime of the soul.” There is an Italian saying that says, “La quaresima primavera dell
’anima,” can be translated as “Lent the springtime of the soul.” We are grateful to the Lord
that we have Lent each year to remind us of our need for repentance. Today’s Gospel makes
it very clear – Jesus came to call sinners to a change of heart. Levi, also identified as Matthew
(cf. Mt. 9:9-13), was called by Jesus while sitting in the tax-office. Tax collectors in Jesus’ time
were considered to be sinners not only because they were Roman collaborators but also
because they normally took more than what they had to collect from the people. In short,
the people hated the tax collectors. Nevertheless, Jesus called a tax collector named
Levi. Jesus even dined with other tax collectors and public sinners. The self-righteous ones,
like the Pharisees, complained about Jesus’ association with them. May we, like Levi, also
acknowledge our sickness while allowing Jesus to heal us. Hence, may this Lent be truly
the springtime of our souls.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2024