Saturday, February 17, 2024
Is 58:9-14; Lk 5:27-32
The call of Levi in today’s Gospel is multi-layered.
At first, the Gospel shows that Jesus calls Levi when he is at the customs post. Could Jesus not have approached Levi when he was out of his office? He could have. But his intention for doing so seems to be different. Jesus’ call of Levi implies a change of the person and his profession. This is why Levi does not just leave his customs post but also assumes a new name after his call. Following Jesus, Levi is now a transformed man. Who would not be? Jesus transforms those whom he calls. Levi is the best example.
Secondly, Jesus dines with the community of tax collectors and those who were called sinners. But if Jesus only wanted Levi to be his disciple, why would he care to meet and dine with his friends? The call from Jesus is neither selective nor partial. Therefore, the same opportunity that Levi received is offered to every one of his friends, regardless of their disposition. As a ‘Physician of Souls,’ Jesus is radically inclusive and does not want to lose out on anyone. This physician is a healer of the ‘community of the sick.’
Thirdly, the Pharisees and the Scribes are scandalized by Jesus’ table fellowship with tax collectors and sinners because they take Jesus’ gesture to be a sign of approval for who they are and what they do. But Jesus is ‘blinded by love’ and therefore does not have time to judge who he was with. In accepting Levi’s invitation to be a part of the community of tax collectors, Jesus respects Levi and those who are with him without condemning them. The condemnation of the Pharisees and the Scribes only estranged people from God. But Jesus brought them all closer to God, thanks to his compassion.
Fourthly, there is mutual love and ownership between Jesus and Levi. This happens with the call of Jesus and the response of Levi to Jesus’ call. Because he now owns Jesus, Levi takes Jesus’ acceptance for granted to dine with his friends. It is with this hope that Levi invites Jesus. By accepting Levi’s invitation, Jesus reveals that he owns the company of Levi just as he owns him.
When our perceptions are freed of prejudice and bias, any encounter can blossom into a trustful friendship.
The story of Jesus and Levi is the best example.
Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar
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Hi Father Brito,
I hope you are well, particularly since our paths haven’t crossed recently.
I think you are really on to a significant truth in your gospel reflection today. The line, ” The condemnation of the Pharisees and the Scribes only estranged people from God.” explains why presently, the Catholic Church attendance continues to decline, in my view. People are searching for Divinity and deep love, but the message of our Church often doesn’t contain it. Way too frequently Cardinals and Bishops ignore the example of Jesus and carry on with their passionate and divisive opinions. Some laity think it is a holy mission to follow those ways…So many people want to separate themselves from the Catholic Church religion/organization because of the leadership and sadly, in the process, move away from God. It is a tough situation, but very easy to see in this country.
Stay strong, Fr. Britto as you go ahead in your life. It would not be surprising to see you in one of those leadership positions, in time. Follow the example of Jesus closely and I predict you will attract many people. The New Testament is a great handbook!
Happy Lent, dear Father! Hope to see you soon, Donna
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