Daily Catholic Lectio
Sat, 8 March ‘25
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
Isaiah 58:9b-14. Psalm 86. Luke 5:27-32
Change of work
As we journey through the first days of Lent, which call us to repentance, today’s gospel presents us with a life-changing moment—a transformation through calling. Change of work means change of heart.
Jesus calls Levi
At the tax booth, Levi, a tax collector, hears Jesus say, “Follow me!” Without hesitation, he leaves everything behind and follows Him.
Tax collectors were known for asking many questions—always seeking to gain something from others. The Roman Empire’s taxation system during Jesus’ time was complex and exploitative. It was also highly competitive, as tax collection was a profession with financial power and authority.
Despite the prestige and wealth attached to his role, Levi abandons his position, income, and professional network to follow a wandering preacher.
Did Levi find his work dissatisfying?
While others saw a corrupt tax collector, Jesus saw something in Levi that others did not. This divine perspective—Jesus’ gaze of grace—is what drew Levi toward Him.
For the Jews, tax collecting was considered an immoral profession. Since tax collectors worked for Rome by collecting money from their own people, they were despised and treated as sinners. Some even resorted to violent methods to enforce taxation. They were excluded from religious life and temple rituals.
Yet, in this socially rejected man, Jesus saw a disciple. The very act of calling him gave Levi a new sense of dignity. Immediately, he leaves everything behind and follows Jesus.
Where others saw a sinner, Jesus saw an apostle – and later an evangelist.
A feast of transformation
That very night, Levi hosts a banquet in his house, bringing together his friends and Jesus.
In this feast, Levi presents himself fully to Jesus, saying: “This is who I am! These are my friends!”
This moment shows a radical transformation—one that begins with an invitation and leads to a new way of life.
What does this story teach us?
(a) God’s call can come at any moment. The moment Jesus invites Levi, his life is turned upside down. We must remain attentive to recognize such moments of calling in our lives.
(b) Following Jesus may seem like a loss at first. Leaving behind wealth, status, or comfort can feel like a sacrifice. But in reality, Jesus’ gaze restores our dignity and gives us a new purpose.
(c) Letting go of selfishness leads to true fulfilment. In today’s first reading (Isaiah 58:9-14), the prophet says: “If you remove oppression from your midst… then you shall be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
When we let go of greed and selfishness, God fills us with His abundance.
A life of continuous transformation
The life of Albert Schweitzer, a renowned theologian, biblical scholar, and doctor, is often cited in historical studies of Jesus. After excelling in theology and biblical studies, he pursued medicine. Finally, he abandoned everything and went to serve among the indigenous people of Africa—where he lived and died. His journey was a series of transformations, just like Levi’s conversion.
Today’s challenge
Let us take one step today toward transformation – by doing something different, better, and more meaningful in our work and life.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
Leave a comment