Summary: Jesus called Levi, a tax collector, to follow him, and Levi immediately abandoned his post to do so. Hosting a feast for Jesus, Levi invited many tax collectors and others, which prompted criticism from the Pharisees and scribes. Jesus defended his actions by highlighting his mission to reach out to those in need of spiritual healing, emphasizing his focus on calling sinners to repentance rather than mingling with the self-perceived righteous.
Gospel Acclamation: I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live. (Ezekiel 33:11)
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him.
Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.
The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”