Daily Gospel Reflection for January 14, 2023

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

Reflection by Laurann Donahue

Today's Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

This is one of the most familiar stories about Jesus's call to a disciple. Levi (or Matthew) is called by Jesus to follow Him. In the story, Levi does not hesitate but drops what he is doing and follows Jesus. Was Levi sick of the lifestyle of a tax collector? Perhaps he'd come to the end of his rope, so to speak. It seems that he didn't like the company he was keeping nor the dishonesty of skimming off the top to keep up appearances. So, he lets it all go for Jesus's sake.

Later at Levi's house, Jesus sits down with many "tax collectors and sinners." Not only did Levi drop what he was doing but invited many of his friends and associates to sit and listen to Jesus. What a wonderful opportunity for all of them to hear the Word of God in the flesh.

The scribes and Pharisees didn't understand why Jesus would sit with the people they considered beneath them. Why would someone who seemed to be a great Jewish rabbi sit with such people? Jesus heard their grumblings and gave them the best answer: A doctor comes to heal the sick not the well. Jesus came for us sinners. He came to help and heal us. He came to save us. He still calls to us today; all people, rich, poor, servant, or free persons should sit with Jesus at the banquet He offers us. We can be healed. We can be with Him forever.

Ponder:

Will you drop everything to follow Jesus Christ?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to heal the sick in this world. Thank You for sitting with us at the eternal banquet.

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Jesus came for us sinners. He came to help and heal us. He came to save us. #dailygospel

Copyright 2023 Laurann Donahue