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ospel Reading for March 08, 2025 – Luke 5: 27-32
FIRST-HAND
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
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In these days when curriculum vitae and resume showing a track record of one vying for a position in companies, organizations, etc., one would think how simplistic Jesus was in making a choice of the disciples he would be with during his 3-year ministry. Of course, the Pharisees and scribes complained because they thought they were more worthy and should have been chosen. Jesus answers them with a resounding refrain: “I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” It made sense. How absurd to go to the doctor when one feels healthy.
Jesus’ calling sinners to be part of his special group was a very brilliant idea! His disciples who were known to be sinners experienced God’s love and compassion FIRST-HAND. It would make them understanding and compassionate with sinners when they continue the works of Christ after he had gone. Perhaps, this was a big help for them to accept St. Paul who used to persecute Christians. When he testified about his conversion experience in the Damascus Road after the death of Jesus, they took him in. St. Paul was a great preacher and writer. He was able to deliver with conviction and perseverance. It is no wonder, because after being so bad to Christians, he was given another chance to repent and testify to Christ himself.
Lord Jesus, teach us to be loving and compassionate as you!
