Follow Me

Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post.  He said to him, "Follow me."  And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.  Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.  The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"  Jesus said to them in reply, "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."  (Luke 5: 27 – 32)


In today’s gospel, Jesus calls Matthew/Levi to follow.  His response seems to be rather quick leaving all behind and following.  During this Lenten season we too are called to leave all and follow Jesus.  We are called to examine our lives and renew our relationship with Jesus.  Jesus came and ate with sinners, the poor and the outcast and we are called to do the same.  We all sin and turn away from God’s love for us but we are always welcomed back.  Jesus called a very unlikely person to be one of his Apostles.  Matthew/Levi responded out of love and we are invited to do the same.  Perhaps this Lent is a wonderful time to do just that – respond out of love and not the sense of duty.  As we journey these days of Lent let us take some time not just to “give something up” – let us take the time to “do something more.”  It can be as simple as a kind word or doing something nice for someone.  We all need to let Jesus guide our lives during this special season.

Pat Schifini, OSU