Daily Catholic Lectio. Sat, 18 January ’25. Come, follow me!

Daily Catholic Lectio

Sat, 18 January ‘25

First Week in Ordinary Time – Saturday

Hebrews 4:12-16. Psalm 19. Mark 2:13-17

Come, follow me!

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus passes by Levi (also called Matthew), a tax collector, and says just two words that change his life: “Follow me.” Amazingly, Levi leaves everything—his money table, his job, his familiar surroundings—and follows Jesus at once. This call story shows us the power of God’s invitation to each of us, and it also contrasts how calls happen in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.

1. Contrasting Call Narratives

A. Old Testament Pattern: (i) Problem or need arises in Israel. (ii) God calls someone (like Moses or Jeremiah). (iii) The person hesitates or objects (e.g., “I am too young,” “I cannot speak”). (iv) God gives a sign or reassurance (like a staff turning into a snake or an angel’s word). (v) The person finally accepts the invitation and serves.

B. Gospel Pattern: (i) A person is busy with daily work (fishing, collecting taxes). (ii) Jesus appears unexpectedly in that ordinary moment. (iii) Jesus commands with a direct invitation, “Come, follow me!” (iv) Jesus alone speaks; the called person remains silent in wonder. (v) The person leaves everything and follows Jesus immediately.

The Gospel story of Levi is a perfect example of the New Testament’s pattern. There is no long discussion or need for a convincing sign—Levi just responds, dropping everything for Christ. However, we know that in many people’s lives today, the process still looks more like the Old Testament pattern: questions, hesitation, and the search for reassurance. That is why it is so important that we, as a Church, create spaces for discernment—especially for the young—so they can hear God’s voice and respond freely.

2. Levi’s Encounter with Jesus

When Jesus says “Follow me,” He offers no immediate promise to Levi of a special mission like “I will make you fishers of men,” as He said to the fishermen. Instead, He simply calls Levi out of his old life. Levi, who kept records of money and taxes, will soon record the “account” of Jesus Himself—that is, the Gospel of Matthew.

Later that evening, Levi hosts a dinner for Jesus in his home—an intimate sign of saying, “Lord, this is who I am.” And Jesus effectively responds, “This is exactly why I came—to call sinners, not the righteous.” It shows us that no matter what our background or sinfulness, Jesus welcomes us when we open our hearts to Him.

3. God’s Powerful Word

The Letter to the Hebrews (4:12–16) reminds us that the Word of God is “living and active.” It is not just letters on a page; it pierces our hearts, comforts our wounds, and guides our steps. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” it carries the same divine power that can transform us from within—if we listen and obey.

Three Questions for Reflection

(a) “Keep going”. Life often commands us to move forward, to grow, to become more. When Jesus says, “Follow me,” do we respond, or do we hesitate and stay where we are?

(b) God’s mercy despite our sins. Even when people judge us harshly, God sees beyond our faults and offers mercy. Do we truly accept that God is merciful to us, or do we let the world’s opinion weigh us down?

(c) Hearing God’s voice. God speaks through the Bible, through the Sacraments, and in the quiet stirrings of our hearts (our intuition). Are we taking time to listen? And when we hear, do we respond with trust, like Levi did?

The invitation “Come, follow me!” still echoes today. Whether our personal call is dramatic and immediate, or gradual and hesitant, God’s voice seeks a willing heart. May we create the space to hear His Word, may we trust His mercy more than our fears, and may we follow wherever He leads us.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy