The Lord is teaching us about the graces we will receive with true fasting and worship. Most of us go to Sunday mass to fulfill an obligation. The Lord expects us to spend Sundays and Holy days not as we please. Sunday should be a day of grace and rest. It is a day to perform works of mercy and have appropriate relaxation of mind and body. We can also sanctify Sunday by devoting time and care to our families and relatives. Sunday is a time for reflection, silence and meditation (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2185, 2186). In the call of Levi, a person rejected by society, Jesus shows divine love and mercy. Jesus went by the tax booth to encounter Levi; he went near a well to meet the Samaritan woman. In the same way he will encounter us. The weak, the broken, the rejected and the sinful are all called by Jesus. His heart goes to all. He is willing to leave the ninety nine in search of one lost sinner. Let us wait in prayer to hear the Shepherd’s voice.

Abba Father, give us the grace to open our hearts to you. Amen.