Good morning, Jesus, healer of my soul, who comes in search of the sick, not those who believe they are well.
Lord, You Have Called Me from My Tax Collector’s Booth
Levi left everything, rose, and followed you. Such faith, such trust! Grant me the grace today to also rise and leave behind all that is not of you. May I hear your call so personally and powerfully that I can do nothing but follow you.
And then, a banquet! You do not hide from sinners; you sit and dine with them. What joy must have filled Levi’s house! You came and brought with you celebration, forgiveness, and acceptance. Yet, the grumbling of those who think they are better, who fail to understand your heart, immediately arose.
“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”” (Matthew 9:11)
At times, Lord, I think this way myself. I am quick to judge others and place myself on a pedestal of righteousness. But you see into my heart and know that it is I who am sick and in desperate need of you.
You Came to Seek and to Save What Was Lost
Thank you for coming not for the seemingly healthy, but for the sick. Thank you for being the physician of my soul. Your mission is not to affirm the righteous, but to save the lost.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Your answer to the Pharisees is also an answer to me whenever I close myself off in self-righteousness. You call me back to what is essential, to the very heart of the Gospel.
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)
Mercy, not sacrifice. That is the essence. Your love knows no bounds; it is not stopped by sin, prejudice, or social rules. This is the truth that sets us free. That is why you call me again today to conversion.
“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming for me. May my life today be a banquet for you, open to all whom I meet. May I leave my own tax collector’s booth behind and simply follow you. Amen.
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