Daily Gospel Reflection for January 18, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 2:13-17

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls Levi, a sinner, to follow Him and then shares a meal within the community that contributed to his sinfulness. I can only imagine a scene today in which Jesus stands up in the middle of a chaotic and unholy place, calling sinners and inviting them to dinner. The holy and wise among us may have a similar complaint to the Pharisees. I, for one, would be the first sinner in line to follow Jesus and recline at the table. 

I assume it's no different today than in Levi’s time, that we, as sinners, crave compassion. Jesus met that need with Levi and continues to meet it in our daily prayers. Jesus offers us the choice to leave sinful ways behind and begin fresh every day. Can we, then, provide the same to those around us? Maybe there is someone in your church whom you or others don’t feel should be there based on how they live their lives.  How is that any different than the Pharisees in this passage? 

Inviting Jesus into our hearts is no different than Jesus sitting alongside Levi and the tax collectors. As we pray and allow Jesus into our lives, we are healed, consoled, and forgiven. 

Jesus calls us, sins and all, to follow Him, and we can do this through our church communities, prayer, and reading God’s Word.

Ponder:

Can I stop judging others and follow Jesus without guilt or regret for past sinfulness? 

Pray:

Lord, thank You for loving me, sins and all. Help me to be as eager as Levi, to leave sinful ways behind and follow You. 

Copyright 2025 Kimberly Novak