Daily Gospel Reflection for February 20, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

Yes. Over the course of human history, these three little letters have arguably been the most powerful force on the planet. Yes to life, yes to movement, yes to a new crop or cultural advancement. In the Church, we look to Mary’s “Yes,” her fiat, as a pivotal moment in salvation history. Most recently, I was privileged to witness the yes of my brother and his wife to one another at their marriage.

In today’s Gospel, we witness another yes. This is another yes which altered the course of more than one man’s life. Levi, a tax collector, leaves everything behind and follows Jesus. His yes was unconditional and immediate. Not only that, but his yes extended to those around him as he gathered them together for dinner. Levi’s yes brought Jesus into his heart, but also into his home, his social circle, and even to those outside of his usual sphere of influence (i.e. the Pharisees).

Levi’s yes extends even farther. We discover in the Gospel of Matthew (9:9-13) this same calling of the tax collector. But in this story, Levi is called by his other name, Matthew, the name we use for the apostle and the Gospel writer. This tax collector, this man who was regarded as an outsider, a sell-out, in many ways a traitor to his people and a sinner, this man became one of the great Evangelists. His inspired words continue to draw people to Jesus and His saving love and mercy. It all began with a small three letter word, offered unconditionally and without reserve: Yes.

Ponder:

Inspired by Levi's unconditional yes, how can I say yes to Jesus today in a similar manner?

Pray:

Dear Saint Matthew, inspire in my heart a desire to say yes to Jesus just as you did that day in the market. Embolden me to take the next step forward on the journey God has placed before me and teach me to fully embrace whatever is to come.

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Yes. Over the course of human history, these three little letters have arguably been the most powerful force on the planet. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Kate Taliaferro