Jesus saw the Levi : What is the Speciality of it

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: First Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 2:13-17*

*First Reading : Heb 4:12-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15*

*Jesus saw the Levi : What is the Speciality of it*

*1) Jesus Sees the Unseen*

Levi, a tax collector, would have been despised by his fellow Jews. 

Tax collectors were often viewed as corrupt collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were associated with greed and betrayal. 

By choosing to call Levi, Jesus shows His capacity to see beyond societal labels and outward appearances. 

He sees not just the person in front of Him, but the potential within that person, demonstrating that God's grace is available to everyone, regardless of their social standing or past

*2) Jesus sees  the Person, Not the Past*

Levi, as a tax collector, would have been seen by many as a sinner, a traitor to his own people, and someone to be shunned.

Yet, Jesus did not see Levi’s past sins as a barrier. Jesus looked past Levi’s societal label and saw him as a person in need of grace and salvation

Jesus often sees the heart of a person, not just their past mistakes or their outward appearance

In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, *The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.*

*3) A Willingness to Follow*

When Jesus calls Levi, He does not just see a man with a dubious profession

He sees a man capable of responding to the call of discipleship. 

Levi’s immediate decision to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9) indicates that Jesus saw in him a heart willing to change, to leave everything behind, and to embrace a new life.

Jesus sees the inner willingness of a person to follow Him. He does not force anyone to follow, but when He calls, He sees the potential for transformation in those who are willing to respond.

*4) A Person in Need of Healing*

Jesus saw in Levi, as well as in others like him, a person in need of healing, especially a spiritual healing. 

While the religious leaders were focused on external righteousness, Jesus understood that true righteousness begins in the heart and that sinners, like Levi, needed His transformative power

*5) An Opportunity for Discipleship*

In the context of calling of Levi, Jesus saw a great disciple, who will spread the Good News, despite the current circumstances

Jesus saw Levi not just as a sinner, but as a potential disciple who could be part of His mission to spread the Kingdom of God. This reflects how Jesus invites individuals into relationship, not based on their merit but on His grace.

*6) Grace and Redemption*

Finally, Jesus sees Levi through the lens of grace.

He did not see Levi as too far gone, too sinful, or unworthy of redemption.

Rather, Jesus saw him as someone who could experience God’s grace and be part of His Kingdom. 

By calling Levi, Jesus offers redemption not based on the person’s worthiness but on His love and power to change lives.

*What will see Jesus in my Life?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*