"Do whatever He tells you"

The Call of Levi.

After this he went out and 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.”

Reflect

When I read this Gospel, it was so much more straightforward than when I have read it in times past. I received each line in parallels. The Lord saw and knew Levi; the Lord sees and knows us. Jesus initiated a relationship with Levi; Jesus is always initiating a relationship with us. Levi’s next actions allow us to confidently infer that a distinct conversion of heart occurred. Even though I am curious about Jesus’ and Levi’s exchange, there’s a reason it’s not described in detail. That’s because it isn’t about
Levi’s conversion only, but yours and mine. Each of our experiences are extremely personal and unique to us, just as it is as it was between Levi and Jesus. Levi leaves behind everything, namely his old ways and follows Jesus. He then begins his work as a missionary disciple inviting his friends and loved ones to experience Jesus’ healing and saving grace. This is the essence of what repentance is – leaving behind our old ways.
Like Levi, we are invited to repent and believe in the gospel. We are called to share the good things the Lord has done in our lives with our friends and our loved ones. Jesus is inviting us. The question is – how will we respond?

Resolve

Set aside time and silence for the Lord to invite you to conversion. Ask Him where He is calling you to repentance.

Renew

Lord, help me to give you enough time and silence to hear how you are calling me to repent and follow you more closely. Thank you for continuing to pursue a relationship with me.