DAILY HOMILIES #Levi

Fasting is not merely a deprivation from food but our active love and concern for others. While our first reading today emphasises the corporal works of mercy (feeding the hungry and attending to people’s physical well-being), our Gospel passage considers the spiritual works of mercy (showing care and concern for sinners).

There are two kinds of sinners; those who admit they are sinners and are willing to repent and those who believe they are perfect. Jesus gave the parable of a physician with reference to the second group. Unlike the Pharisees, Levi admitted his faults; he knew he needed a physician. While the Pharisees were busy running their mouths, Levi and his friends were having a foretaste of heaven; enjoying a banquet with Jesus Christ.

The letter to the Hebrews, in drawing our attention to the importance of God’s words, says: “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden…” (Hebrews 4:12-13).

Those who are good at pointing out the sins of others do not often give time to examining their own lives and as a result, they develop a false sense of self-perfection.

The fact that one is anointed, chosen, ordained, or consecrated or has received the sacraments does not remove a person’s habits, thoughts, desires, and sinful inclinations.

Rather than exert your energy on pointing fingers at others, use it to develop yourself. Become the change you would like to see in others. Don’t stop at verbally condemning evil, let your actions also do the talking for you.