Jesus said to them in reply,
“Those who are healthy
do not need a physician,
but the sick do.
I have not come to call
the righteous to repentance
but sinners.”
(Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus came to help those who recognize their own spiritual need. It’s often interpreted as a metaphor where “the healthy” refers to those who believe they are righteous and “the sick” refers to those who acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness.
It underscores the mission of Jesus to bring spiritual healing and salvation to those who seek it. It’s often interpreted as a call to humility and recognition of one’s own shortcomings.
In the realm where spirits dwell,
a tale of grace I've come to tell
of the Healer, so divine,
whose love for sinners is the sign.
"Those who are healthy need me not,
but the sick, in pain and distraught.
For it's not the righteous I seek,
but the humble, the meek.
I've not come to call the just,
but sinners, in me they must trust.
To repentance, I lead their way,
in my love, they'll forever stay.
The righteous stand in their might,
blinded by their own light
but the sinners, they see the truth,
in their flaws, they find the proof.
So, come all, who are unwell,
in your hearts, let the Healer dwell.
For the sick need the physician's care,
and in His love, find solace there."
Lord Jesus,
We come before You, acknowledging our need for Your grace for we know that those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. We confess our transgressions and shortcomings, understanding that You have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.
We are the sinners, Lord, in need of Your mercy and forgiveness. Help us to seek You in our weakness, to find strength in Your love and healing in Your touch. May we find comfort in knowing that You are the Great Physician who heals not just our bodies, but our souls. Guide us in our journey towards repentance, help us turn away from our sins and towards Your love. May we always remember that You have come not for the righteous, but for us sinners, to bring us back to You.
With much love and full of praise and thanksgiving we pray in Your most holy name.
Amen.
Pericope:
IV: The Ministry in Galilee
THE CALL OF LEVI
Luke 5:27-32
Gospel Acclamation
I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, says the Lord, but rather in his conversion, that he may live.
Gospel | Luke 5:27-32
27 Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. 29 Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them. 30 The Pharisees and their scribes complained to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.”
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
