Daily Gospel Reflection for March 9, 2019

Today's Gospel: Luke 5:27-32 Jesus walked up to a tax collector named Levi sitting at his post. He looked at him and said “Follow me.” Levi stood up and left everything behind and followed Jesus. Levi extended an invitation for a banquet for Jesus in his house inviting other tax collectors and a few others to join them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples asking them: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus responded by saying, “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.” Jesus’ message is for all sinners. He wants sinners to “follow Him” and repent for their sins. The self-righteous so-called religious leaders are busy pointing fingers and laying blame. Jesus wants everyone to know they are welcome at His table. He is communicating that judgment from God comes from love and forgiveness not condemnation. Jesus, the son of God, will always open His arms to sinners and/or “tax collectors” as they are referred to in this Gospel. Jesus represents perfect love for all and therefore offers forgiveness for those who repent and follow him. When we approach Holy Communion at Mass, we are being invited to a banquet. This is where we have learned to validate our love for each other.