Have you ever had a problem you were trying to figure out or looking for an answer? For the life of you, nothing ever came. The more you thought about it, the more frustrating it got. So you gave up and got on with your day. Then, out of the blue, it dawned on you. It became so clear. Your confidence returned as the frustration dissolved.
That is pretty much what happened to Levi, who Jesus named Matthew. Levi was sitting at his post collecting taxes from people. Of course, he was despised, and it didn’t bother him. He had a cushy life. Then, out of the blue, here comes Jesus. Two words change his life, "Follow Me."
Matthew wasn’t in deep prayer, doing works of mercy, or preaching on a street corner. Instead, he was going about his business – extortion. He was robbing the poor of the little they had so that he could get ahead. Jesus caught him in the act, as it were. Matthew’s heart was poor, dirt poor. And the innocence of Jesus in him let him know it. His heart was much poorer than those who begged for food after leaving his tax table. I pray for people who can’t afford rent and must move out.
But something strange happened. Matthew didn’t feel guilty or worthless. Instead, he felt so much love in his heart; it was like there was no one else in the world. Matthew found this so strange. All that money and friends he had at the other tables meant nothing to him now. Matthew couldn’t stay, so he pushed aside the money table and walked down the road with Jesus. It happened when he was in the act of extortion.
Don’t be surprised if you hear a quiet voice inside when doing something that offends God. Jesus walks up to your table and loves you with His big, merciful heart. Listen for those words spoken with so much tenderness, "Follow Me." Push away that table and walk down the road with Jesus.
November 1, 2025, Matthew 5:1-12a https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110125.cfm Being with God in Ordinary Events There are moments when I read or hear about a saint in heaven,
October 31, 2025, Luke 14: 1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103125.cfm A Fruit Of Evangelization – Restoring Someone’s Dignity. A common view of evangelization is going door to door,
October 30, 2025, Luke 13: 31-35 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm Worn out but ready to go. Vacations are great and so much needed. Some last several weeks, others
Luke 14: 25-33 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110525.cfm Wow! What a Huge Step for Us, But a Small Step for Jesus. Anything can lose its meaning when we
Saturday after Ash Wednesday – 03-24-2023
Father Rick’s Three Minute Homily for Saturday after Ash Wednesday – 03-24-2023
Luke 5:27-32 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022523.cfm
Our Friend Levi (Matthew).
Have you ever had a problem you were trying to figure out or looking for an answer? For the life of you, nothing ever came. The more you thought about it, the more frustrating it got. So you gave up and got on with your day. Then, out of the blue, it dawned on you. It became so clear. Your confidence returned as the frustration dissolved.
That is pretty much what happened to Levi, who Jesus named Matthew. Levi was sitting at his post collecting taxes from people. Of course, he was despised, and it didn’t bother him. He had a cushy life. Then, out of the blue, here comes Jesus. Two words change his life, "Follow Me."
Matthew wasn’t in deep prayer, doing works of mercy, or preaching on a street corner. Instead, he was going about his business – extortion. He was robbing the poor of the little they had so that he could get ahead. Jesus caught him in the act, as it were. Matthew’s heart was poor, dirt poor. And the innocence of Jesus in him let him know it. His heart was much poorer than those who begged for food after leaving his tax table. I pray for people who can’t afford rent and must move out.
But something strange happened. Matthew didn’t feel guilty or worthless. Instead, he felt so much love in his heart; it was like there was no one else in the world. Matthew found this so strange. All that money and friends he had at the other tables meant nothing to him now. Matthew couldn’t stay, so he pushed aside the money table and walked down the road with Jesus. It happened when he was in the act of extortion.
Don’t be surprised if you hear a quiet voice inside when doing something that offends God. Jesus walks up to your table and loves you with His big, merciful heart. Listen for those words spoken with so much tenderness, "Follow Me." Push away that table and walk down the road with Jesus.
IGNITE THE FIRE
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
www.bscchurch.com
or .
Sent from Mail for Windows
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the All Saint’ Day
November 1, 2025, Matthew 5:1-12a https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110125.cfm Being with God in Ordinary Events There are moments when I read or hear about a saint in heaven,
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute for Friday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time
October 31, 2025, Luke 14: 1-6 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103125.cfm A Fruit Of Evangelization – Restoring Someone’s Dignity. A common view of evangelization is going door to door,
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Thursday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time
October 30, 2025, Luke 13: 31-35 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103025.cfm Worn out but ready to go. Vacations are great and so much needed. Some last several weeks, others
Father Rick’s two-minute Homily for Wednesday, 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Luke 14: 25-33 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110525.cfm Wow! What a Huge Step for Us, But a Small Step for Jesus. Anything can lose its meaning when we
Categories
Send Us A Message