SATURDAY, May 2 (Athanasius)

Few people leave everything to follow Jesus, as Levi appears to have done here. Should we do that? Should we abandon spouse and children for Jesus? Maybe they are to go along, too. But what if they have other plans? Should we follow Jesus if it means discounting the wishes of others? What about our current jobs? Do we give two weeks notice before leaving, or just drop everything and go? And go where? To do what?

I'm guessing this was not the first conversation between Jesus and Levi (who is probably to be identified with the disciple Matthew). I think it likely that the two had talked before and that Levi had prayed about his decision and discussed it with the other people in his life. I also think it likely that he had some idea where he'd be going and what he'd be doing.

Following Jesus includes carefully considering who we are, whether the task proposed is in keeping with our aptitudes, and how this change would affect others. And following Jesus may mean staying put and continuing to do what we've been doing, but with renewed purpose, generosity, and faithfulness.

PRAY for the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman  (Southern Africa)

Ps 30, 32 * 42, 43; Daniel 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15

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