SICK AND TIRED OF BEING SICK AND TIRED

Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Isaiah 58: 9b-14 - The importance of keeping the Sabbath
Luke 5: 27-32 - Sinners need to hear the call to repentance, not the righteous

Tax collector's back in Jesus day had a pretty nice gig.  They lived high on the hog, had friends in high places (and low places too), and all because they were legally able to take large amounts of money from the middle and lower classes of people.  Much of that money they got to keep perhaps, for being seen as the scum of the earth by the vast majority of citizens.  Levi must have lived in a world filled with hate.  It's hard to love people and take more money from them than they can afford to give.  Hearing the hatred and scorn all around him must have taken a toll.  And perhaps there was at least a little self-loathing that made him feel it was time for a change.

"Follow me" the stranger said.  Imagine what Levi must have felt when Jesus said those words.  They were probably the kindest words Levi had heard in a long time.  Someone wanted him.  Those two words were all Levi need.  He left his work, his money, his way of life behind.  He even had a farewell party with all his "associates."

Maybe we would be scandalized by Jesus eating with the likes of Levi and his friends.  How could someone as holy and good as the rabbi from Nazareth be dining with the likes of such terrible sinners.  I can just see Jesus wiping gravy from his mouth to tell the righteous people that he's just what the doctor ordered.  These people filled with hate need mercy, or they will die in their shame.  In a world that would say, "Good, let them die" it's nice to know that there is always another chance for redemption, not only for the sinners we see around us, but also the one we see in the mirror.  If we ever feel like we're sick and tired of being sick and tired, those two words might just change everything - if we're willing to walk away from sin and hate, and to live in the presence of Love.