Luke 5:27-32
And after these things, he went forth and saw a publican named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said to him: Follow me. And leaving all things, he rose up and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: And there was a great company of publicans and of others that were at table with them. But the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying to his disciples: Why do you eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering, said to them: They that are whole need not the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the just, but sinners to penance.
Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, and shares a meal with sinners. His actions reveal the heart of God’s mercy. Christ came not for the self-righteous but for those who recognize their need for healing and forgiveness. This Gospel reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. He invites each of us into a relationship with Him regardless of our past. In receiving His mercy, we are also called to extend compassion and understanding to others.