By Vicky Lamin Gayang, CSC –
Readings: Is 58: 9b – 14; Lk 5: 27-32
In the first letter of St. John 1:8 clearly said, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” We all are sinners. We sin through our words, deeds, and thoughts. Though we sin time and again Jesus still loves us. Jesus always loves sinners but hates sins. He eats, drinks and mingles with tax collectors and sinners. He became one with them. Therefore, being one with the sinners Jesus was able to touch their inner heart to come and follow him. This is the main purpose of his coming to this world to call sinners to repentance.
In the Gospel, we see Levi a tax collector was called by Jesus to follow him. Though he was a great sinner, Jesus still found him worthy to be his follower because Jesus sees the desire of his heart to change. Once Levi heard the call of Jesus without a second thought he immediately left everything and followed Jesus. And from then, a complete conversion takes place in his life. He became an effective and zealous follower of Christ. Like Levi, we are called to leave behind all our sinfulness and follow Christ our Master. Leaving behind our sinfulness is not as easy as we think because the devil will not let us simply go from his hand. However, we must remember that nothing is impossible with God (Lk 1:37) if we have faith in him and the desire or longing to be in communion with him.
As we have already entered into a grace-filled season of Lent, Jesus calls us today to repent because he wants us to build a profound friendship and intimacy with him. This will happen only if we respond positively to his call. Once we respond to Jesus’ call it is the beginning of a new life in Christ. But, in saying yes to the call of God it does not mean that I am free from all trials and tribulations. Amidst all these trials and tribulations we will still find meaning in life and feel the abiding presence of Jesus who assures us that he will be with us till the end of time (Mt 28:20).