The call of Levi
Reading: Luke 5:27-32
Jesus noticed a tax collector, Levi by name, sitting by the customs house, and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And leaving everything he got up and followed him. In his honour Levi held a great reception in his house and with them at table was a large gathering of tax collectors and others. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples and said, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘It is not those who are well who need the doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the virtuous, but sinners to repentance.’ Reflection
This passage of scripture follows on from the healing of the paralytic. (Luke 5:17-26) Jesus shows us that his mission of healing and renewal is not yet complete. Levi, a tax collector and employee of the oppressive Roman establishment has his own booth in the custom house. He is well regarded by the authorities as he creams off the hard-earned money of the poor to enrich the coffers of the rich Romans. Levi was not alone in this corrupt trade and would have been ostracised by the people. True to his mission Jesus reaches out to one of the most reviled members of society. He is not concerned about the man’s reputation as a tax collector and invites Levi to follow him where he will be called into a deep personal relationship of intimacy with him. He sees beyond the coins scattered on the table or the invoices ready to be dispatched but rather the soul of a man who has not yet come to know the deep love that God has for him and wants to invite him to of life. Levi’s response is immediate and total. He leaves everything and follows Jesus. What was it about Jesus that compelled him to take such a radical step? He was at risk of losing his income and his standing amongst his tax collecting friends, but he does not hesitate. Instead, he hosts a banquet for Jesus and invites many of his tax collector friends. This is not private dinner but a lavish meal because he recognises who Jesus is and wishes to offer him the most gracious hospitality. He wishes to introduce Jesus to his friends but may also have wanted to feel reassured that he was not alone in the presence of this mysterious stranger who has had such a powerful influence on his life. After all, he has left everything to follow Jesus.
Once again, like in (Matthew 9: 14-15) we see that the pharisees do not recognise who Jesus is and the call to new life in him that he offers. Their cynical response could have put Levi off from following Jesus but he was undeterred. His spirit was seeking something deeper and Jesus affirms this when he responds by saying that he has come to call the sick or all who are in need of his healing touch.
Levi challenges me to reflect on my response to Jesus’ invitations to me. Do I listen for his invitations in my daily life or have the cares of the world deafened my inner ear to the voice of my God? In the quiet moments, when I hear God’s calls to me, am I so conscious of my unworthiness that I run from his gentle or challenging voice and choose not to listen. My heart may be so full of fear or other forms of clutter that I may think that Jesus would not be interested in my story. In prayer, I hear him say to me, ‘what do you need to leave behind so that you can fully commit your life to me.’ I hear his gentle voice reassure me that he knows the full story and will give me the grace to follow him wherever he may lead me.
I am also aware of the attitude of the Pharisees and their scribes to the presence of Jesus with the tax collector. I am challenged not to judge others who have been called by the Lord. Jesus calls whom he wills; it is not my place to choose his companions for him but on occasion I may say, ‘he or she is not worthy to dine with the Lord.’ The bountiful mercy of our God reminds me that Jesus embraces all and wishes each one to be made whole in his love. I ask forgiveness for my harsh judgments and exclusion of others.
Are there occasions in your life when you resist the call of God to deeper relationship with him or other.
Are you tempted to dismiss people because of the occupation that they have or see them as unworthy of God’s friendship.
What is the grace that you desire at this time so that you may be forgiven and healed of your cynical attitude. Prayer
Lord, you reached out and touched all with an embrace of love.You did not judge but wished that all were made whole.Compassion and mercy were the garment you wore, wrapping the wounded in your healing arms.May I be open to all whose lives I touch, not judging, but setting free hearts that ache, calling forth new life and thanks for the gift of a new day.
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