Saturday of week 1 in Ordinary Time 

Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 18(19):8-10,15
Mark 2:13-17

In the narrative of the Gospels, a significant moment occurs when Jesus perceives a latent quality in Levi, likely encompassing elements of humanity, love, or potential righteousness. This recognition prompts Jesus to invite Levi to become one of his disciples, which Levi accepts without hesitation.

Subsequently, Jesus shares a meal with Levi and other tax collectors. This communal act serves dual purposes: it offers Jesus insight into their socio-economic realities while also presenting an opportunity for him to challenge their practices and perspectives.

Tax collectors, functioning as state agents in the Roman Empire, were notorious for their exploitative methods of tax collection. They often engaged in extortionate practices, imposing excessive taxes on the populace to enrich themselves. Their affiliation with the imperial powers rendered them deeply despised, perceived as corrupt intermediaries between the ruling class and the oppressed populace.

This context sets the stage for the Pharisees, who were staunch adherents to the Mosaic Law. They confront Jesus on the issue of his association with tax collectors, labeling them as “sinners” and societal outcasts. In his responses, Jesus deftly counters their self-righteousness, exposing their reliance on a distorted moral superiority. He critiques their assumption of being above the law, indicating that their perceived righteousness blinds them to their need for redemption and divine intervention (referenced in Mark 2:15-17 and Luke 7:36-50; 15:1-2; 19:1-10).

This invites introspection: Are there moments in your prayer life where you feel spiritually adrift? Do you harbor doubts about the potential for personal transformation in others? Are your expressions of love conditional upon reciprocal celebration? Have fears regarding the paths Jesus might lead you down caused hesitation in your discipleship? Furthermore, do we fail to recognize that our everyday witness is integral to advancing the Kingdom of God? Are we, as Christians, failing to embody our convictions outside church settings, engaging only with those in our immediate circles, or judging others based on preconceived biases?

The call to prayer remains paramount—an avenue for self-offering to God. Through prayer and intentional reflection, we open ourselves to divine guidance, allowing God to influence our choices and aligning us with His will. Like Levi, we must be willing to acknowledge our own potential in God’s eyes and respond to His call to discipleship. It is crucial that we actively engage in this transformative process

Fr Joseph Osho