15 As Yeshua was in Levi’s house eating, many tax-collectors and sinners were sitting with Yeshua and his talmidim, for there were many of them among his followers. 16 When the Torah-teachers and the P’rushim saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his talmidim, “Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?” 17 But, hearing the question, Yeshua answered them, “The ones who need a doctor aren’t the healthy but the sick. I didn’t come to call the ‘righteous’ but sinners!”
Common of the Blessed Virgin MaryFollow me.(Mark 2:14)
In today’s first reading, we meet Saul as he is anointed king over Israel. This handsome young man showed so much promise as he set out to serve God with sincerity. Yet when we recall how Saul ends up—a brooding, paranoid man who loses God’s favor—the story of Samuel’s surprising selection is bittersweet at best.
Fast-forward about one thousand years to Levi, a tax collector accustomed to cheating his own people to gain wealth and power. Yet as hardened as he may have been, he readily leaves it all behind to follow Jesus.
Such very different stories! One man followed God but then grew distant. The other was distant from God but then grew closer.
Clearly, the outcome of each of their lives was not dictated by the way they began. Saul’s story shows that no matter how godly you begin, there is always the risk that you will step out of God’s path for your life. You have to keep listening to the Lord and obeying his call. On the other hand, Levi teaches us that no matter how steeped in sin you are, you can still step onto the path of God’s life. It’s never too late to come into a relationship with God. So whether you begin well or begin badly, repentance is always available, and your Father will always welcome you.
What is God’s will for you? This question doesn’t belong just at the start of our relationship with the Lord; it’s something we should ask every day. Staying in touch with him is the only way to be sure we won’t stray onto our own path and end up distant from him and his grace.
So reach out to the Lord today. Listen for his voice. Don’t be afraid to put aside your own plans if you find that they lead you away from God. What Levi learned and Saul forgot is that only grace can bring us to God and keep us close to him. That’s why Reconciliation is considered a sacrament—it’s a powerful channel of God’s grace. It’s the grace to bring us back to the Lord so that we can get on the right path once more.
“Lord, I offer you all my shortcomings, sins, and fears. Help me to walk forward, trusting in your mercy and grace.” Amen!
1 Samuel 9:1 There was a man from Binyamin named Kish the son of Avi’el, the son of Tz’ror, the son of B’khorat, the son of Afiach, the son of a man from Binyamin. He was a man of substance and brave as well. 2 He had a son named Sha’ul who was young and good-looking; among the people of Isra’el there was no one better-looking than he; he stood head and shoulders taller than anyone else in Isra’el.
3 Once the donkeys belonging to Kish Sha’ul’s father got lost. Kish said to his son Sha’ul, “Please take one of the servants with you, go out, and look for the donkeys.” 4 He went through the hills of Efrayim and the territory of Shalishah, but they didn’t find them. Then they went through the territory of Sha‘alim, but they weren’t there. They went through the territory of Binyamin but didn’t find them there either.
17 When Sh’mu’el saw Sha’ul, Adonai said to him, “Here is the man I told you about, the one who is going to govern my people.”
18 Sha’ul approached Sh’mu’el in the gateway and said, “Please tell me where the seer’s house is.” 19 Sh’mu’el answered Sha’ul, “I’m the seer. Go up ahead of me to the high place, because you are going to dine with me today. In the morning, I will let you leave; and I will tell you everything that is on your heart.
10:1 Then Sh’mu’el took a flask of oil he had prepared and poured it on Sha’ul’s head. He kissed him and said, “Adonai has anointed you to be prince over his inheritance.
Psalm 21:2 (1) Adonai, the king finds joy in your strength;
what great joy he displays in your victory!
3 (2) You give him his heart’s desire;
you don’t refuse the prayer from his lips. (Selah)
4 (3) For you come to meet him with the best blessings,
you place a crown of fine gold on his head.
5 (4) He asks you for life; you give it to him,
years and years forever and ever.
6 (5) Your victory brings him great glory;
you confer on him splendor and honor.
7 (6) For you bestow on him everlasting blessings,
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
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