Father Rick’s Three Minute Homily for Saturday after Ash Wednesday 

March 8, 2025, Luke 5:27-32  

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030825.cfm

Our Friend Levi (Matthew).

 Have you ever had a problem you were trying to figure out, and nothing ever came up? 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.   

 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.

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.    

Love Your Neighbor: 

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C. 
pastor@bscchurch.com