13 January, 2024 | Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

 Reading : 1 Sm 9:1-4, 17-19; 10:1

Gospel Mk 2:13-17

Jesus went out along the sea.

All the crowd came to him and he taught them.

As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,

sitting at the customs post.

Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

And he got up and followed Jesus.

While he was at table in his house,

many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;

for there were many who followed him.

Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners

and tax collectors and said to his disciples,

“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 

Jesus heard this and said to them,

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Reflections:

Jesus approached Levi, a tax collector, and said, "Follow me." Levi's response was immediate—he got up and followed Jesus. This highlights the power and impact of Jesus' call in our personal lives. Just as Levi responded to Jesus' call, we too are called to harken to his call, follow Jesus,  and respond with obedience and surrender. Jesus did not shy away from associating with tax collectors and sinners. He went to Levi's house and ate with them. This shows  Jesus' love and acceptance of all people, regardless of their past or their societal standing.

 It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards those who are considered "sinners" and to cultivate a heart of compassion and inclusivity, reaching out to them with the love of Christ.

Activity: 

Reflect on our response to Jesus' call in our own lives; ensure that we are willing to follow him wholeheartedly by including everyone in our dealing with others.