Feb
29
2020
By Anonymous (not verified)
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house
... . - Lk 5:29
In a season where we're thinking about fasting, we read in today's Gospel of a great banquet. It comes after Jesus says, "Follow Me," to Levi, the tax collector. This invitation would come as a surprise to the Jewish people. Tax collectors were scorned by other Jews because of their cooperation with the occupying Romans and because they made their fortunes unjustly, or even with cruelty.
Levi, however, leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, and he holds a great banquet to honor Him. The grand gathering includes Jesus and His disciples, the Pharisees and their scribes, Levi, and many of his associates - among whom were, not surprisingly, more tax collectors. What an example Levi is of what conversion demands of us who are entering into the time of Lent! As a beneficiary of Jesus' mercy, his first act is to invite others to Jesus' mercy.
It's worth noting that the Pharisees and scribes don't ask Jesus why He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners. They go to His disciples - attempting to make this disparaging remark at Jesus' expense. But Jesus answers, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners" (Lk 5:31-32).
Thank God!
Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me, and help me to bring Your mercy to all I meet.
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... . - Lk 5:29
In a season where we're thinking about fasting, we read in today's Gospel of a great banquet. It comes after Jesus says, "Follow Me," to Levi, the tax collector. This invitation would come as a surprise to the Jewish people. Tax collectors were scorned by other Jews because of their cooperation with the occupying Romans and because they made their fortunes unjustly, or even with cruelty.
Levi, however, leaves everything behind to follow Jesus, and he holds a great banquet to honor Him. The grand gathering includes Jesus and His disciples, the Pharisees and their scribes, Levi, and many of his associates - among whom were, not surprisingly, more tax collectors. What an example Levi is of what conversion demands of us who are entering into the time of Lent! As a beneficiary of Jesus' mercy, his first act is to invite others to Jesus' mercy.
It's worth noting that the Pharisees and scribes don't ask Jesus why He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners. They go to His disciples - attempting to make this disparaging remark at Jesus' expense. But Jesus answers, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners" (Lk 5:31-32).
Thank God!
Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me, and help me to bring Your mercy to all I meet.
See all meditations to date
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