First Reading Hebrew 4, 12-16
Gospel Reading Mark 2, 13-17
From The WORD in other words (2019) by Fr Glenn Paul Gomez SVD (QC, Philippines)
Let us have a closer look at who Jesus is.
Today’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is a lover of nature: He walked along the sea. When people came to know about this, they followed Him and Jesus taught them… along the sea!
Jesus has a magnetic personality. He passed by a customs posts where Levi was sitting. Jesus invited him: “Follow me.” Without asking, Levi followed Him!
Jesus has no favorites; He is a good mixer: He mingled with tax collectors and sinners.
This pleasing personality of Jesus attracted not only well-meaning followers but adversaries as well: the scribes and pharisees. They could not accept that Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. How could Jesus do that?
Finally, Jesus knows how to give practical answer to a simple question: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” That’s Jesus: a lover of nature, has a magnetic personality, a good mixer and gives practical answers to questions!