💖 HOMILY - JANUARY 18 💖

First Reading - Hebrew 4:12-16

Gospel - Mark 2:13-17

Discipleship is not a fleeting idea or a concept to admire from a distance. It is a call to action, a way of life rooted in love, mercy, and service. To be a disciple of Jesus is to walk in His footsteps, responding to His invitation daily, especially in moments when we encounter the weaknesses and failures of others. The readings of today remind us that discipleship begins with listening to the Word of God and responding wholeheartedly to Jesus’ invitation — “Follow me.”

The First Reading emphasizes two key aspects: the power of God’s Word and the greatness of Jesus. The Word of God is not passive; it is alive, active, and penetrating. It reveals the hidden thoughts and intentions of our hearts. It convicts us of sin and unbelief, but it also empowers us to choose the path of obedience and grace. The greatness of Jesus lies not only in His divinity but also in His humanity — He shows us what it means to be fully human, empowered by God’s Word to live a life of obedience and love.

In the Gospel, we hear the striking account of the call of Levi, a tax collector. Levi’s response is immediate and radical — he leaves everything behind to follow Jesus. This moment is extraordinary because Jesus invites someone who was seen as a public sinner and an outcast. Tax collectors were despised for collaborating with the Roman authorities and exploiting their own people. Yet, Jesus sees beyond Levi’s profession and reputation. He sees a soul in need of grace and an individual capable of transformation.

Levi’s response is a reminder that Jesus’ call is not reserved for the righteous or the perfect. His invitation is extended to sinners, the lost, and those in need of healing. Jesus dines with Levi and other tax collectors, breaking social norms and provoking criticism from the scribes and Pharisees. They expected a teacher like Jesus to distance Himself from sinners. But Jesus makes it clear that His mission is to seek out and save the lost, to offer grace to those in need of it most.

Dear friends, this Gospel scene speaks directly to us. We, too, are in need of God’s grace. We all have moments of failure, weakness, and sin. Yet, Jesus does not abandon us. He calls us by name, inviting us to follow Him, to leave behind what separates us from God, and to embrace a new way of life. His call is one of mercy and transformation.

The call of Jesus is not a one-time event. Through our Baptism, we have already been called and welcomed into His Kingdom. But each day, Jesus continues to invite us through His Word and the teachings of the Church to follow Him more closely. Like Levi, we are asked to leave behind whatever holds us back — our sins, distractions, and attachments — and to walk the path of discipleship.

Responding to Jesus’ call requires humility, courage, and faith. It means acknowledging our need for grace and allowing the Word of God to transform us. It also means becoming instruments of mercy and compassion in the lives of others. Just as Jesus dined with sinners, we are called to reach out to those who feel excluded, to show them the love and mercy of God, and to lead them back to Him.

Let us take to heart the invitation of Jesus — “Follow me.” May we, like Levi, have the courage to respond without hesitation, leaving behind anything that hinders our relationship with God. Let the voice of Jesus renew us, change us, and guide us to become true disciples who live out His teachings in every aspect of our lives. May the Spirit of the Lord strengthen us to remain faithful in our journey of discipleship and inspire us to bring others along the path of grace and mercy.