Jesus invites us to come to Him as we are

Heb. 4:12-16, Mk 12:13-17. In selecting a tax-collector, as recorded in today's Gospel, Jesus calls the least likely person to follow Him. As a tax collector, hired by Roman occupation force, Levi was not permitted to enter the Synagogue nor go up to the Temple. By default, he is expected to remain excommunicated from social contact with the faithful, law-abiding Jews. However, God whose word penetrates soul and spirit, joints and marrow, “judges the thoughts of the heart” as describes by the author of today's first reading, recognises potential in people whom others are quick to discard, chose him to be His disciples. Other people may have seen in Levi as only the tax-man the non-observant, half-pagan Jew, serving the foreign oppressors, but Jesus recognised his compassionate heart. Jesus saw in him his ability to be hopeful towards others and all the dispositions attributed to God when He led the Israelites out of Egypt and prepared for the covenant on Mount Sinai.

Jesus not only calls Levi but also accepts his invitation to dine in his home with all his friends and fellow tax collectors. The devout Scribes were shocked by the company Jesus kept. Traditionally, the expectation is that conversion should first take place, then repent and be cleansed before dining with the sacred ones. They expected Jesus, a teacher of religion, to keep better company than being with sinners; He should move only in devout circles. Jesus, who laid down His life for us while we were sinners, invites us to come to Him as we are. In other words, sin should not stop us nor should we allow worldly attractions to lure us away from God’s loving invitation to union with Him. Our failings and weaknesses can never be restrictions to meet the Lord. Rather His presence in our failings and weaknesses should lift us up. When we come before God in our brokenness, He will never drive us away, for His table is always set for us and there is always a place for us, regardless of where we are in life.

May the Lord be with us always, through all the goods and trials of this life, that we may be His faithful disciples and witnesses to the nations! Amen!! Be safe and happy weekend!!!