The Speciality of Jesus' Gaze towards Levi

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Saturday after  Ash Wednesday*

*Gospel : Lk 5:27-32*

*First Reading : Is 58:9b-14*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6*

*The Speciality of Jesus' Gaze towards Levi*

*1) Jesus' Gaze*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the *Gaze* of Jesus 

This is not an ordinary Gaze. The specialty of Jesus’ seeing Levi, the tax collector, is profound because His gaze is not just physical—it is deeply spiritual, full of purpose, mercy, and transformative power. 

The specialty of Jesus' Gaze at Levi lies in how He sees, calls, transforms, and restores him. 

*2) A Gaze of Divine Knowledge*

When Jesus sees Levi sitting at the tax booth, it is not a casual glance. 

Jesus sees beyond outward appearances and knows Levi completely—his past, his sins, his struggles, and his potential. 

Unlike society, which judged tax collectors harshly, Jesus sees with divine insight, recognizing a disciple in the making.

*3)  A Gaze of Love and Mercy*

The religious leaders saw tax collectors as sinners and outcasts. Their gaze was one of judgemental and partial 

On the other hand, Jesus’ gaze is one of mercy rather than condemnation. 

His look is an invitation, not rejection. It is the same loving gaze that transformed Zacchaeus (Luke 19:5) and the rich young man (Mark 10:21, where it says, *Jesus looked at him and loved him*

*4) A Gaze That Calls and Transforms*

Jesus’ seeing is active and creative 

His look is not just observation but a calling into a new life. 

The moment He sees Levi, He calls him: *Follow me* (Luke 5:27). 

This gaze is filled with divine authority, and it has the power to break the chains of Levi’s old life and lead him into a new destiny as Matthew, the disciple and Gospel writer.

*5) A Gaze That Restores Dignity*

Levi was despised by his fellow Jews because tax collectors were seen as corrupt traitors working for the Roman oppressors. 

But Jesus, by looking at him and calling him, restores his dignity. 

He sees a man worth redeeming, proving that no one is beyond God’s grace.

*6) A Gaze That Invites Fellowship*

Jesus doesn’t just call Levi; He later shares a dinner  with him and other sinners as well  (Luke 5:29-32).

His seeing is an invitation into a relationship, breaking social and religious barriers to bring salvation to those who need it most.

*7) How is My Look?*

Seeing of the things or People ultimately makes a difference in ones life 

One man's seeing can change the entire life of another person 

How is my Look? 

A selfish look?

A revengeful look? 

A desperate look?

A proud look? 

A defeated look? 

A miserable look? 

A angry look? 

A lustful look? 

A insecurity look?

Or 

A courageous look? 

A prayerful look? 

A virtuous look? 

A patient look? 

A loving Look? 

A selfless look,? 

A service oriented look? 

A peaceful look? 

A transformative look? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*