3/8/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 5:27-32

27 Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.”
28 And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
29 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.
30 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.
32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”

3/8/2025 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 5:27-32

The story of Levi, also known as Matthew, is a powerful testimony of God’s grace and the radical transformation that comes when we accept Jesus’ call. Levi was a tax collector, a profession despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were known for their corruption, often taking more than required and growing rich at the expense of their own people. Because of this, they were considered outcasts, rejected by society and viewed as sinners beyond redemption. Yet, Jesus saw something in Levi that others did not—He saw a man who was capable of change, a man whom He loved and wanted to redeem.

Jesus Calls the Unlikely
When Jesus called Levi, He did not demand that he first clean up his life or prove his worthiness. He simply said, “Follow me.” And Levi responded immediately. He left everything behind and followed Jesus. This act of obedience was a bold declaration of faith. He was walking away from a lucrative career, from security, and from his old way of life. But he knew that what Jesus offered was far greater than anything he could hold onto.

This reminds us that Jesus does not choose us based on our past, our mistakes, or our social standing. He calls the unlikely, the outcasts, and the sinners — not because of their qualifications, but because of His love and grace. If He called Levi, He can call any of us, no matter where we have been or what we have done.

A Heart of Gratitude and Transformation
Levi’s first response to Jesus’ call was to hold a great banquet at his house, inviting his fellow tax collectors and other outcasts to meet Jesus. He did not keep his joy to himself—he wanted others to experience the grace he had received.

This challenges us to consider how we respond to God’s calling in our own lives. When we encounter the love of Jesus, do we share it with others? Do we open our homes and hearts to those who need Him? A true encounter with Jesus changes us, and a transformed life becomes a light that draws others to Him.

Jesus Came for the Sick, Not the Righteous
The religious leaders were quick to criticize Jesus for eating with tax collectors and sinners. To them, it was scandalous that a respected teacher would associate with such people. But Jesus answered them with a profound truth:

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:31-32)

Jesus’ mission was not to affirm the self-righteous but to rescue those who knew they needed saving. This is good news for all of us, because we are all sinners in need of grace. We do not come to Jesus because we are perfect; we come because we are broken, and He is the only one who can make us whole.

Leaving the Old Life Behind
Levi’s story reminds us that following Jesus requires leaving behind our old life. This does not mean we will be perfect overnight, but it does mean we surrender our past to Him and allow Him to transform us.

Just as Levi left his tax booth, what is God calling you to leave behind? Maybe it is a habit, a toxic relationship, a mindset of shame, or a past mistake that keeps you from fully following Jesus. Whatever it is, trust that what Jesus offers is far greater than what you are leaving behind.

A Call to All
The story of Levi is an invitation to all of us. No matter our past, Jesus calls us to follow Him. He does not ask for perfection—He asks for a willing heart. And when we say yes, our lives will never be the same.

So today, listen for His voice. He is calling you, just as He called Levi. Will you follow Him?

Go here to read further Gospel reflection.