"Follow Me"

Saturday After Ash Wednesday
Luke 5:27-32

Have you ever felt unworthy to follow Jesus? Maybe you’ve thought, “Jesus wouldn’t call someone like me.” Well, here’s some good news from today’s Gospel. Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector—someone everyone else avoided—just as he calls each of us. There's no lecture, no conditions, no judgment. And Levi responds without hesitation to Jesus' grace-filled invitation: “Follow me.”

Think about it: tax collectors were not only seen as sinners, but as traitors to their own people. Yet, Jesus doesn’t see Levi’s reputation or past mistakes. Jesus sees a person in need of mercy and invites him into a new life. And notice what happens next: Levi hosts a great banquet and invites his friends—other “sinners”—to meet Jesus. It’s a celebration of gratitude for God's grace.

Lent is our invitation to be like Levi. It’s a time to notice where we feel unworthy, where we’ve separated ourselves from God or others, and to respond to Jesus’ simple call: “Follow me.” Sometimes following means prayer, fasting, or giving, but it always begins with saying "yes" to God—yes to being healed, yes to being transformed, yes to being loved.

Jesus came not for the perfect, but for those who know they need God. Lent reminds us that no matter our past, no matter our mistakes, Jesus' is always calling out to us. Will you answer his call today?

You are invited to reflect today about who in your life needs to hear the mercy of Jesus this Lent? And how can you welcome them, as Levi welcomed his friends?

Lord Jesus, You call me, just as You called Levi,
to leave behind what holds me back and follow You.
Help me to hear your voice above all else,
and give me the courage to say,
“Yes, Lord, I will follow you.”

Teach me to welcome others with your mercy,
to share your love with those who feel lost or rejected.
May my life be a banquet of grace,
reflecting the joy of your forgiveness,
and the hope of new beginnings.

During this Lent, strengthen my heart to trust your call,
to turn from sin,
and to walk faithfully in your ways.
Amen.

This reflection was prepared with the assistance of CoPilot.