Reflection: Luke 5:27-32

Saturday after Ash Wednesday – Luke 5:27-32

Today we hear the familiar story of the tax collector, Levi. He was sitting at the customs post. Jesus came by and spoke to him. He invited Levi (whom I assume he didn’t really know) to follow him. On the spur of the moment, Levi got up, walked away from the customs post and followed Jesus.

Levi must have been fairly wealthy. He hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his home. Naturally Levi had invited his friends, many of whom also were tax collectors. As they sat at table, the Pharisees and scribes came and complained to Jesus’ followers. They asked them why the dined with such sinners.

Jesus overheard them asking the question and he responded directly to them.

Jesus bluntly told them that people who are healthy do not need a doctor. It is the people who are ill or in need who need a doctor to care for them. Then Jesus bluntly tells the Pharisees that he has not come to those who see themselves as righteous. Rather, he has come to call those who are in need of healing. More specifically, Jesus tells them that he has come to call sinners.

Can you imagine the stir his comment must have made? I assume that the Pharisees were taken aback at Jesus’ blunt criticism. Were any of them able to “own” that what Jesus was saying was true? Or were they simply angry with Jesus and his criticism of them? Regardless, Jesus makes it clear that his focus is on the individuals who are sick: be that physical, emotional or spiritual. Jesus is a healer, not a judge. Jesus cares for the people and personally ministers to them.

I wonder if any of the Pharisees were able to take Jesus’ message to heart? Did one or two of them walk away from Jesus feeling ashamed of their judgment? Were any of them intrigued with Jesus and wanted to learn more about him? If so, they were men (and women) who had open hearts and open minds!

What in this Gospel touches us deeply? Identify a sentence or a few words in this reading that stay with you. Reflect on it for a few minutes. What is the message we want to “take to heart” today? What is Jesus inviting you to today? How will you respond?