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 sinnersand 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.”
In the fictional story of the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, Pierre Morrell repeatedly expresses gratitude to the Count for saving his life and his business. Job, Hannah, David, the Samaritan woman, the leper are real people who expressed gratitude to God and told all of His neverending mercy.
Each character has a story, has a name and has reason to tell all about their encounters with Jesus. Levi (everyone knew his father was Alphaeus) is sitting there at his work place, minding his own business. As Jesus walked by He turned and saw Levi and told him, "Follow me".
Levi was a disreputable figure, despised by his fellow country men. His job was to collect taxes but he really drained them of their money.
Perhaps Levi overheard the teaching of Jesus by the seashore, perhaps he was fed up with his job that day, wondering why was he still doing this to himself and others. When Jesus spoke, Levi dropped everything and solidified his relationship with Jesus by sharing a meal with Him. Jesus has the power to call people to repentance and forgive sins. He came to heal and be a source of nourishment.
Matthew is Levi's new name and it means "the gift of God". One can just hear and feel the excitement of Matthew as he spends time with Jesus, relieved of his bad ways, and cleansed of his sins. May we keep in mind that we are all gifts of God. Listen and be prepared to become a new person... Always praising, and thanking God for His great mercy.
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