Daily Gospel – Saturday, January 18, 2025 – Mark 2,13-17 – Catholic Bible

First Reading (Hebrews 4,12-16).

Reading of the Letter to the Hebrews.

Brothers, the Word of God is living, effective and sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow. She judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature that can hide from it. Everything is naked and uncovered in her eyes, and it is to her that we must be accountable. We have an eminent high priest who has entered heaven, Jesus, the Son of God. Therefore, let us remain firm in the faith we profess. Indeed, we have a high priest capable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, for he himself was tested in every way like us, with the exception of sin. Let us then, with all confidence, approach the throne of grace, to obtain mercy and obtain the grace of help at the right time.

– Word of the Lord.

– Thank God.

Gospel (Mark 2,13-17).

Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.

— Glory to you, Lord.

At that time, Jesus went out again to the seashore. The whole crowd went to meet him and Jesus taught them. As Jesus passed by, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax collector’s office, and he said to him, “Follow me!” Levi got up and followed him. And it came to pass, as they sat at table in the house of Levi, that many tax collectors and sinners were also at table with Jesus and his disciples. In fact, there were many who followed him. Some doctors of the Law, who were Pharisees, saw that Jesus was eating with sinners and tax collectors. Then they asked the disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Having heard, Jesus answered them: “It is not healthy people who need a doctor, but sick people. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

— Word of Salvation.

— Glory to you, Lord.

Reflecting the Word of God

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, may the peace of our Lord be with you all. Today, the readings invite us to reflect on profound and transformative themes: the strength of the Word of God and the incredible mercy of Jesus, who comes to meet sinners. They are like two rivers that converge, forming a single current of hope and spiritual renewal.

Let’s think about the start of a long distance race. The athlete positions himself, the starting gun rings, and he starts running. At every step, he feels the challenge and the need to persevere until the end. Reading the letter to the Hebrews presents us with the Word of God as a dynamic, living force that penetrates our souls and challenges us, just as running demands effort from an athlete.

The Word is described as “a two-edged sword,” capable of separating “soul and spirit, joints and marrow,” and of judging “the thoughts and intents of the heart.” This powerful image shows us that the Word of God is not something passive or merely decorative in our lives. She is incisive, capable of revealing what we hide even from ourselves. It is like a light that illuminates the darkest corners of our being, where we often harbor our doubts, fears and sins.

Now, think about a farmer who, when preparing his land, needs to remove stones hidden beneath the soil. The Word of God works in a similar way: it unearths those stones in our lives – pride, resentment, selfishness – so that we can cultivate them with love, humility and generosity.

But we need not be afraid of this exposure, because the same text reminds us that we have “a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.” Jesus understands our struggles, because He Himself faced temptations, yet without sinning. He is the doctor who not only diagnoses our spiritual wounds but also heals us with His grace.

And this is where Mark’s gospel connects beautifully. Jesus finds Levi, a tax collector, sitting at the tax office. Let’s imagine this scene: Levi, a man despised by society, used to being ignored or condemned by people’s eyes, suddenly hears a call that changes everything: “Follow me.” This invitation, coming from Jesus, is like rain falling on dry land. It invigorates, gives purpose and transforms.

Levi gets up immediately and follows Jesus. This answer teaches us something profound about God’s calling. When we hear His voice, we are invited to leave behind what holds us back – be it sin, insecurities or even our comfort zone – and rise up to a new life.

Soon after, we see Jesus sitting at the table with sinners and tax collectors. This image is a powerful reminder that Jesus does not turn away from those who need Him most. He did not come for the righteous, but for sinners. He is the doctor who visits the sick, who approaches us in our weakness and offers us the healing of His love.

Imagine a lighthouse in the middle of a storm. He doesn’t choose to light only the prettiest or best-equipped ships. He shines his light on everyone, especially guiding those who are in the greatest danger. This is Jesus, the lighthouse that lights our path, even when we are lost or facing internal storms.

But, brothers and sisters, this table where Jesus sits is not just a place of welcome; it is also a place of transformation. Jesus not only accepts Levi and sinners as they are, but calls them to a new life. It does not legitimize sin, but it does offer the opportunity for redemption and change.

Now, let’s stop for a moment and put ourselves in Levi’s shoes. What are the “collections” we are sitting in? What in our lives prevents us from hearing the call of Jesus? Maybe it’s a resentment that we can’t shake, an addiction that imprisons us, or even a lack of trust in ourselves.

God’s Word encourages us to look at these areas honestly. She reminds us that we don’t need to hide our weaknesses, because Jesus knows them and still calls us. He invites us to rise up, leave our “collections” and follow His light.

And how do we do this in practice? First, immersing yourself in the Word of God, which is living and effective. Each time we read the Scriptures, it is as if God is speaking directly to our hearts, guiding and shaping us. Second, approaching the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, where we find the transforming grace of Christ. And finally, living as witnesses of His love in the world, being light to those who are in darkness.

Jesus shows us that no one is beyond the reach of His mercy. He sits at the table with the marginalized, the despised, and the sinners. This means that He also sits with us, in our weaknesses, to offer us the opportunity to begin again.

Dear brothers and sisters, as we conclude our reflection, I want to leave you with a final image. Think of a snow-covered field in winter. At first glance, everything seems dead and lifeless. But beneath the surface, the seeds are just waiting for the warmth of spring to sprout. This is what the Word of God is like in our lives. Even when it seems like we are spiritually stagnant, God’s grace is working within us, ready to blossom when we let it.

Today, Jesus calls us as he called Levi. He invites us to follow Him, to leave behind what holds us back, and to sit at His table, where we will find not only acceptance but also transformation. May we respond to this call with joy and courage, confident that God’s love is greater than any weakness or sin.

May the Word of God be alive in our hearts, illuminating our path and molding us into the image of Christ. And may we always remember that Jesus, our High Priest, walks with us, understanding our weaknesses and leading us to eternal life. Amen.