Tax collectors were disliked, even despised by many in ancient Palestine because they were considered unclean, as were lepers and sinners. They were cast in this net because there were those who abused their position. A tax collector had a responsibility to pay a fixed amount to the occupying power of Rome, but then could keep as a commission anything he collected over and above that fixed amount. The majority of the population already just getting by, paying a temple tax, and the Roman tax, then finding out their local tax collector was taking more than their fair share, did not make for feelings of endearment.
Jesus surprises all who had come to hear him teach when he not only invites Levi, also known as Matthew, to follow him, but then they have dinner together. We are witnessing yet again another healing miracle. Jesus provides an opportunity of bridging divides by inviting someone to his inner circle to turn away from one way of life to begin anew, to: “Repent and believe in the gospel” (cf. Mk 1:15). The Pharisees question his choice of table fellowship companions. It is not clear if the Pharisees are eating with them or are on the outside looking in. The other curious point is that the Pharisees are conversing with Jesus’ disciples. So both groups are together witnessing the communal exchange.
Whichever is the case, that they were engaged in the meal together or observing from afar, not quite sure if they were wanting to participate, they could not have been at too great a distance because Jesus could hear their concerns. Jesus then responded: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mk 2:17). The Pharisees, and possibly some of his disciples, were not a part of the intimacy of this communion because of their own unwillingness to accept those that Jesus invited to share a meal with, to accept that they were sinners also in need of healing.
Jesus forgives and offers mercy to all who are willing to receive it. He offers an invitation of intimacy and communion as the one who is ushering in the kingdom of God. He is offering healing and transformation. The only requirement is to say yes to be with him, to be willing to come into his light and be loved. From this encounter then our relationship with him can grow if we have the humility to acknowledge our sinfulness so to be healed and come into the fullness of who God calls us to be and so to share the invitation of blessing and healing we have received with others.
We can see overtones of the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke (cf. Lk 15-32) at play in this scene presented by Mark in today’s Gospel, where those who have been lost, the tax collectors and sinners, have returned and are now enjoying a time of feasting and fellowship, while the Pharisees and disciples are keeping themselves at a distance, like the eldest son, unwilling to forgive, to accept the invitation. Instead they choose to judge, to hold onto their pride of place. They too are invited to embrace this gift that their brothers have been offered a chance to be transformed and healed by the love of Jesus, yet, their hardness of heart keeps them set apart instead of sharing in communion. Jesus invites us today to be in communion with him. Do we say no because he allows sinners and others that are underserving to be a part of the banquet or are we thankful of his mercy, recognizing that if he is willing to forgive others, he will forgive our own sinfulness? May we embrace the opportunity for healing and transformation and so share the invitation!
With many biblical passages, this one offers a wonderful opportunity to place ourselves in the scene. Mark presents Jesus teaching the people though he does not tell us anything about what Jesus shared. Knowing what follows, we might ask ourselves, “What might Jesus have taught about before going directly to Levi at the custom’s post?” Could he have been talking, as Matthew adds in his parallel account, about how Amos preached about how God desires mercy and not sacrifice (Mt 9:12)?
Let us sit with the opening line for a time and see what Jesus shares. Then as Jesus moves to the custom post, follow him and the others. What is our reaction to Jesus calling the tax collector Levi to follow him as one of his Apostles? Are there sins that others commit that we find easy to forgive, others that we find hard to forgive? Do we accept the invitation to table fellowship with the motley crew, stay at a distance, or walk away? With the gift of these readings that we have been graced with, it is important that we make the time to ponder them, to invite Jesus into our reading, and to encounter him as did those we read about. This is a wonderful spiritual practice that can bring us much joy and bring us into communion with the Physician. No RSVP needed, just come, open up your Bible and join the feast!
Photo: Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside, CA
Link for today’s Mass reading for Saturday, January 13, 2018:
Spiritual Stepping Stones 