Homily (Reflection) for Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time (I) (16th January, 2021) on the Gospel
(B.V.M on Saturday, Opt. Mem.)
Heb 4:12-16;
Ps 18:8-10.15 (R. cf. Jn 6:63);
Mk 2:13-17.
Topic: Yes, you too can.
In today’s gospel Levi son of Alphaeus was called by Jesus while he was sitting at the tax booth. His call ushered in a dinner in which Jesus and His disciples ate and drank with tax collectors and sinners that made the scribes question.
Just imagine a pastor (priest) dinning and wining with
harlots, swindlers, among other notorious people in the society. Certainly, it will
scandalize many. Yet these always have the chance of repenting. However in the
Jewish culture, tax collectors are not just among the worst sinners but do not
even have the chance of repenting. Based on this, imagine how the scribes
viewed Jesus dinning and wining in Levi’s house among sinners and tax
collectors.
Many think they would have been wonderful people for God if
they had known earlier. These see themselves as objects of scorn to both God
and humans. Remember that according to the Jewish belief Levi cannot repent but
Jesus called him to follow Him just as He called Peter, Andrew, James, and John
who were fishermen, cf. Mk 1:16-20.
Irrespective of your mistakes God is calling you today. If
only you will answer. Yes, you too can make it. Just respond positively to
God’s call today. He is already at your door knocking to dine and wine with
you, cf. Rev. 3:20.
And to destructive critics, Jesus is saying to you: “I have
come to call not the righteous but sinners” (Mk 2:17b). Encourage everyone to come back to God. Even the worst
sinner is still the son/daughter of Abraham, cf. Lk 19:9.
Bible Reading: Is 1:2-20.
Thought for today: God is calling you.
Let us pray: Lord, help us in our weakness to
struggle towards you – Amen.
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