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.”
REFLECTION
"Follow me"
People change their names or nicknames for different reasons. Perhaps they join a religious order, live in a country where their name cannot be pronounced, their occupation requires flashy names or unique and memorable stage names or they want to leave their past behind. In the Bible, name changes usually signal a new mission from God.
In this Gospel we are introduced to Levi (Hebrew), a tax collector, a publican, who was not liked, referred to as a sinner. We know him as Matthew (Greek) : 'gift of God' ' gift of Yahweh'
"Follow me" was all He said. Many did.
We are invited to be with Jesus, learn from Him how to be perfect. He wants to teach us, recline at our table and make us gifts for His Father.
To change, to be made new in mind and spirit we need to allow God to live in us. Leaving sin behind can be difficult. Our past can drag us down, remind us of not yet forgotten pleasures and luxuries. Jealousy and bitterness of our new life can arouse others to gossip, lose friendships, and even confuse us if we are still torn between our world or His.
Matthew did not go back to being a tax collector. We too can leave sin behind. When we give our will to God, we give Him everything.
Jesus came to save us regardless of our status or walk of life. He does not condone, excuse nor tolerate our sins. He does not go with the flow or with the majority way of thinking.
In fact the road with Him can be difficult. He did say "Follow me" . Not go there or follow that path or read this book. He wants us to follow Him. To follow a leader, we must be willing to do what He says, do as He does and love as He loves.
Jesus can change hearts and minds. Deliver all to Him, let Him work with our souls. God works for good for those who love Him and keep His commandments.
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