Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at the table with them. ( Lk 5:27-28)
God is good, all the time.
Friends Lent is a moment for fixing and restoring broken relationships- with God, family, friends, and self, affected by sin, misunderstanding, anger, jealousy, envy, disappointment, sadness, pride, and self-pity.
As Jesus called Levi/Matthew, the call continues, "Follow me." Think about Matthew, just like Peter, Andrew, John, and James as they heard the same concise invitation, "Follow me." Did he delay? Did the thought of abdicating a lucrative business cross the mind? Did he make his low social standing get in the way? And did he let the wealth he was accumulating become the excuse? Their quick response suggest that they never asked the Lord to excuse them even for a moment. It must be so with us too.
We show courtesy to people when we bump into them or when they are in our way, saying, "Excuse me." And they quickly let us on. However, when it is Jesus standing in our way, we never should ask him to excuse us because he is there waiting for us.
The bible tells us that we love because God first loved us( Cf.1 Jn 4:19). Jesus loves us and is always seeking us. He wants to assist us in picking up the pieces of our life again. He wants to give us peace and true joy.
If I understand that I am sick and need his grace from heaven to fix and restore my broken relationships, disappointments, mistrust, hopelessness, misjudgment, hot temper, lies, and lousy habits, then I know I should stand up and follow him this Lent. Then I should commit more time to prayer, reading the bible, praying the rosary, attending Mass, and letting go of my excuses.
The disciples teach us that the things we think our peace, happiness, joy, and life depend on count the least. What counts the most is the love we have for Jesus. Still wondering whether to make one more excuse? Think about these words: "Simon son of John, do you love Me?" "Yes, Lord," he answered, "You know I love You"( Jn 21:17). I guess Matthew said it too, so he never offered any excuses.
May peace be with our souls and courage to dispel our doubts and fears. Amen.