The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke
During that time,
Jesus went out and saw the tax collector
(i.e. tax collector)
named Levi
sits in the tax administration.
He tells him:
” Follow me. “
Leaving everything,
the man stood up; and he followed him.
Levi prepared a great reception for Jesus in his house;
there was a large crowd of customs officers and other people
sat with them.
The Pharisees and scribes of their party complained
saying to his disciples:
“Why do you eat and drink
with tax collectors and sinners? »
Jesus answered them:
“These are not healthy people
who need a doctor,
but the sick.
I did not come to call the righteous
but sinners,
so they turn. »
Source: AELF
Meditation Father Nicolas de Boccard
Customs officer Levi’s call is direct and unequivocal: “Follow me”. It implicitly reveals the discomfort of man, the agent of the occupier, in a servile position that makes him hostile to the local population. He seems to have been freed from that weight by Jesus’ call and goes to thank him by inviting him to a great feast. But even here the Pharisees and scribes will find objection: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and fishermen? “. Their religion consists of separation and external customs, they did not understand the speech of Jesus who invites them to leave the faith that separates external, ritual practices, in order to discover the mystery of God: that of personal love.
How difficult it was for them to disempower themselves, to get out of their character. How difficult it is for each of us to be ourselves in truth; leaving aside looks, relationships, possessions and power. The truth of man is still there, in his nakedness, when he is truly seen under God’s gaze, recognizing the limits of our human condition.
Thus we better understand Jesus’ answer: “Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.” I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to convert.”
May, Lord, on this day we accept that we need You and live more and more from Your love.