MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 17 JULY
January 17, 2026
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT ANTHONY, ABBOT – 17 JANUARY
January 17, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
17 JANUARY, 2026
Mark 2:13-17
Jesus went out along the sea.
All the crowd came to him and he taught them.
As he passed by, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus,
sitting at the customs post.
Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
And he got up and followed Jesus.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners sat with Jesus and his disciples;
for there were many who followed him.
Some scribes who were Pharisees saw that Jesus was eating with sinners
and tax collectors and said to his disciples,
“Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Jesus heard this and said to them,
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel recounts Jesus calling Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. At a simple moment by the sea, Jesus meets a man whom society scorns and issues a quiet invitation: “Follow me.” Levi rises without hesitation and follows. Later, Jesus shares a meal with many tax collectors and sinners, prompting murmurs from the Pharisees. Jesus responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I came not to call the righteous but sinners.” In this encounter, we see the heart of Christ’s mission — He looks beyond reputation and past mistakes to call each of us into a relationship of mercy and transformation. Like Levi, we are invited to respond freely, leaving behind what holds us back, and to accept Christ’s healing presence in our lives. Jesus does not exclude us because of our brokenness; rather, He draws near, offers mercy, and calls us into discipleship.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You call me not because I am already whole, but because You desire to heal and transform me. Give me the courage to rise when You say, “Follow me.” Open my heart to Your mercy, that I may welcome Your presence in every moment of my life. Teach me to see others as You see them — with compassion and without judgment — and to bring Your healing love into the world. Amen
