Blesed Virgin Mary 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Hebrews 4:12-16

For the word of God is living and effective,

Sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart. All creation is transparent to Him; everything is uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we render account.

 We have a great High Priest, Jesus, the Son of God, who has entered heaven. Let us, then, hold fast to the faith we profess. Our high priest is not indif­ferent to our weaknesses, for he was tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sinning. Let us, then, with confidence approach the throne of grace; we will obtain mercy and, through his favor, help in due time.

 

Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

Mark 2:13-17

When Jesus went out again beside the lake, a crowd came to him and he taught them. As he walked along, he saw a tax collector sitting in his office. This was Levi, the son of Al­­pheus. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” And Levi got up and followed him.

And it so happened that while Jesus was eating in Levi’s house, tax collectors and sinners were sitting with him and his dis­ciples for there were indeed many of them. But there were also teachers of the Law of the Pha­­ri­sees’ party, among those who followed Jesus, and when they saw him eating with sinners and tax collectors, they said to his disciples, “Why! He eats with tax collectors and sinners!”

 Jesus heard them and answered, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

Even sinners desire a life with meaning. But sometimes, society does not give them the chance. They are instantly condemned to live their life of sinfulness till the end.

Not with Jesus. He sees the inner struggles of sinful men and women who want to live a life different from what they have but doesn’t know how to do it. Thus, the invitation to Levi to follow Him, without regard to qualifications or merits.

Levi will be changed not by harsh words and fear mongering of eternal punishment but by the gentle love of Jesus that always give new chances even to the most hardened sinner.