Levi, i.e. Matthew, was truly an outstanding apostle. This is shown in the gospel reading today.
Levi must have been very unpopular and ostracized among his fellow Jews because he was a tax collector, a public sinner. Who could be his friends? Other public sinners such as fellow tax collectors and perhaps prostitutes. What about Jesus? A popular Rabbi, a rising star from Nazareth.
For reasons we could no longer fathom, Levi left everything, rose and followed Jesus when Jesus called him (Luke 5:28). Among the calling stories, only Matthew's mentions about celebration afterward. This is significant. Do we find joy after following Jesus? How do we celebrate our call? Do we throw a party? Levi did! He found joy. He celebrated and he threw a party for Jesus (5:29). If our answer is not affirmative, being a Christian will be burdensome. If we find no joy, no transformation and no improvement in life as a Christian, how can we take the next logical step, to evangelize?
Levi did. He found joy probably in being able to walk tall again. He celebrated and threw a party to express his gratitude towards the Lord who had redeemed and restored his dignity. He shared his newly discovered joyful life with his fellow sinners! How I envy you St. Matthew.
We cannot make this joy up ourselves. This joy is granted in God's pleasure. But Jesus has assured us that it is our Father's pleasure to give us the Kingdom (12:32). The question remains: Do we open ourselves up to God? What do we obsess about, money or God?
Merciful Lord, I am a sinner. I am weak. Have mercy on me. Amen.
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