Jesus calls Levi: Mark 2:13-17

Imaginative Contemplation

Jesus left the synagogue and went out into the streets and countryside. Do I find Jesus in my daily life as well as in the Church?

What did Jesus see as he looked at Levi? How did Levi feel as Jesus approached him?

What was Levi’s reaction when Jesus called him to follow him?

At Levi’s luncheon, consider how each person there responded to the invitation and to the presence of Jesus.

 

Enter into the scene

I had heard about Jesus and his miracles. He has a strong influence on so many, and he doesn’t dismiss people like the elders and leaders do. I certainly wanted to know more about him, but I am a tax collector, so he wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me, would he?

One day he came to our district, heading for the sea -shore. That meant he had to pass by my booth. Some people moved to the other side of the road as the crowd approached me. Many despise me because I work for the Romans. I no longer care about their contempt.

I did not expect what happened next. Jesus came into my booth, put his elbows on the counter and got my attention. “Would you like to follow me?” he said, and I felt that he really did want my company. I looked up in amazement and said, “I would love to come with you! Can I tell my friends about this? I can host a meal for you. Will you come?” I feared his answer, but he seemed to be thrilled at the invitation. What a joyful meal that was! Many of my friends are considered of no worth by some people, and here was Jesus, enjoying their company, despite the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus spoke to these self-righteous men, “You think you don’t need God’s love or forgiveness. I have come to save those whom you judge as sinners and outcasts.”

This man Jesus turns authority and judgement upside down!

For further reflection

Discuss with Jesus the following points:

  • Am I able to see the good in all people?

  • Do I judge people by their occupation, race, creed, sexual orientation, culture?

  • When something good happens in my life, am I able to share this with others?

  • Do I listen to God’s daily invitation to imitate him in love?

  • Do I try to think positively, avoiding negative thinking?

Prayer

Lord, give me the grace to ponder and act on the following statement:

‘There is so much good in the worst of us,

and so much bad in the best of us

that it ill behoves any of us

to speak ill of the rest of us.’

Amen.