Daily Gospel Reflection for January 17, 2026

I wonder what it must have been like to be Levi, also known as Matthew. He was sitting at his customs post, doing his work as a much-maligned tax collector, when Jesus passed by and simply said, “Follow me.” That’s it—two simple words and Levi left everything behind and did as Jesus asked. His life completely changed. What power and magnetism Jesus must have had!

 

Perhaps, too, Levi was at a point in his life when he was ready to hear the message. Maybe he hated his job. Perhaps he was unfulfilled in life, feeling empty and bereft of meaning. Maybe, in that instant, he realized that Jesus had everything he had been looking for, even though he didn’t know where following Him might lead.

 

Jesus may not appear to us in human form, but He issues the same invitation to each of us: “Follow me.” Are we ready to answer that call? Perhaps our lives are also feeling empty, like something or someone is missing.

 

Following Jesus is the answer. If we strive to do God’s will, we will be where we need to be. The road ahead will not necessarily be easy. Jesus did say we would need to pick up our cross. We may have to leave our comfortable way of life behind. Change, even positive change, can be hard and scary. However, it is the only path to true fulfillment. Will we imitate Levi’s example and answer Jesus’ invitation?