14
Jan
Jan
Reflection: Mark 2:13-17
The vocation of Levi, which we read in the gospel today, speaks to us about an unlikely vocation. Levi is a tax collector, although considered anti-national and public sinner by patriotic Jews, but he is economically well off, and wields power in the government. Being in the job, he could claim a lot of privileges and benefits but all of a sudden and forever, he leaves his job simply because a stranger fixed his gaze on him and called him: “Follow me!” Levi must have been for sure, listening to this preacher and might have witnessed the signs he performed. But of course, the gospel does not speak anything about these assumptions. Possibly his vocation story is presented like this to highlight that with Jesus there is no room for doubts: Either he is obeyed or he is rejected. Levi acts as the slogan on the coat of arms of Pope Francis reads, “miserando atque eligendo” which means “by showing mercy and by choosing”. Jesus mercifully chooses a tax collector to be his apostle and Levi does not think twice to respond. Pope Francis chose this sentence about the call of Mathew as his motto on his coat of arms to remind him of God’s merciful choosing of a sinner. Levi invited his friends – from the same profession, to celebrate his vocation. He understands that being called by Jesus is like falling in love: finding a treasure. The Gospel is an invitation – to follow him! Of course, we have decided to follow Christ long ago and that’s why we have received the sacraments and go to Church and read the scripture. Well, Levi the tax collector tells something more to us today. Responding to Jesus, be it an immediate decision or a well meditated discernment, requires total commitment. Following Jesus cannot be a part-time activity or half-hearted decision. The religious leaders raise a concern over Jesus’ proximity to the public sinners and accepting them in his company. How often do we label people as “not suitable for our acquaintance” and keep them away from our communities and circles? Jesus brings in a pastoral approach: He never despised the sinner. God, in His mercy chose me a sinner, to follow him. The closeness of Jesus is always therapeutic – he brings healing. He laid down his life for us sinners, and invites us to go to Him as we are. Let sin not stop us; let worldly attractions not lure us away from God’s loving invitation to go with Him.