Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 5:27-32

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax-collection station, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others reclining at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick; I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Reflection

Jesus’ choice of Levi, a despised tax collector, as one of His followers highlights the inclusive nature of His ministry. This act challenges us to look beyond societal labels and prejudices, recognising the inherent worth and potential in every person. It inspires us to reach out to those who are marginalised or judged by society, offering them acceptance and the opportunity for transformation through love and compassion.

Levi’s immediate response to Jesus’ call, leaving behind his lucrative job and security, mirrors the radical commitment required to follow Christ. This act of faith encourages us to evaluate our own willingness to trust in Jesus and prioritise His call over our personal comforts and securities. It reminds us that true discipleship involves a wholehearted commitment to God’s mission, trusting that He will lead us to a life of greater purpose and fulfilment.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

The closer a person is to God, the closer they are to people.

– Pope Benedict XVI

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.