Jesus’ followers think they know Jesus, but they have missed the essential quality of being a true follower.  No matter how many times and in how many different ways, Jesus’ message is to love one another, to act lovingly toward one another.  As an anointed follower of Jesus I am anointed to invite and welcome the stranger, the lonely, and the one who seems different and in some way unacceptable.  I am not commissioned to judge, ostracize or disparage the other.  Jesus’ life, death and resurrection make us one body. The body of Christ. 
  
Saturday of the First Week in Ordinary Time 
Hebrews 4:12-16 
Psalm 19:8, 9 10, 15 
Mark 2:13-17 He went out again beside the sea; and all the crowd gathered about him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed on, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 15 And as he sat at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were sitting with Jesus and his disciples; for there were many who followed him. 16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, "Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?" 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." 
  
Meditation by Joan Blandin Howard 
“For those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.  I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” 
If you have a broken leg, see a physician.  If you have malaria, see a physician.  If you are bilious, see a physician.  But, if you are heavy of heart, come to Me.  If you are weary of the struggle, come to Me.  If you long for peace and justice, come to Me.  If you are marginalized, ostracized, and long to be welcomed, come to Me. Should your faith falter, come to Me. 
  
Earlier in chapter two of Mark, Jesus says to the paralytic man “Son, your sins are forgiven,… stand up and take your mat and walk”.  In today’s reading Jesus says to Levi who is “sitting at the tax booth”.  “Follow me.”   Yes, Jesus physically cured the paralytic man, but his focus was on the man’s faith, not on his disease.  In each case there is a directive: “stand up” and “follow me.”  These phrases are invitational as well.  Possibly not readily apparent they are also an anointing of strength to an outsider.  Jesus sees into the heart, acknowledges, invites, and welcomes the person, and even eats with the unacceptable. 
  
In Levi’s case just the fact that he is “sitting” as Jesus walks by suggests that he does not feel he is one of the group; that he would be accepted and welcomed by the group.  
  
Prayerfully in contemplation, I might imagine that Levi has often sat by the way as Jesus walked by.  I prayerfully imagine their eyes meeting. I might further imagine that Levi felt a deep connection with Jesus even though ostracized by his followers.  Yet, it is Levi whom Jesus calls forward inviting Levi into his intimate presence. Levi is welcomed by Jesus in spite of what his followers would consider appropriate.  
  
Jesus’ followers think they know Jesus, but they have missed the essential quality of being a true follower.  No matter how many times and in how many different ways, Jesus’ message is to love one another, to act lovingly toward one another.  As an anointed follower of Jesus I am anointed to invite and welcome the stranger, the lonely, and the one who seems different and in some way unacceptable.  I am not commissioned to judge, ostracize or disparage the other.  Jesus’ life, death and resurrection make us one body. The body of Christ. 
  
The good news in today’s reading is that although not all of us are called to be compassionate medical healers, we are all called, baptized and anointed into Christ’s compassionate healing.  
  
True love is possible 
Only with understanding. 
When there is understanding, 
Compassion is born. 
Thich Nhat Hanh 
  
  
Supplementary Reading 
Equipped by Faith 
  
“Every Scripture is God-breathed...so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work” - 2 Timothy 3:16–17, AMP 
  
God has equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your destiny through His Word. The Scripture tells us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are anointed. The word “anointing” is the power of God which gives you courage, strength and ability. When you put the Word of God in you, you are receiving that anointing, you are building your faith, and you are being equipped for every good work. 
  
The next time you start to wonder if you have what it takes, go to God’s Word and stir up your faith. Focus on His truth which says you are well able to do what He has called you to do. You can accomplish your goals. You have the ideas, the creativity and talent to be successful. You can overcome every obstacle! You’ve been armed with strength for every battle, and the forces that are with you are greater than the forces that are against you! 
  
Today, don’t settle where you are. Don’t settle for a weak, defeated mentality. Instead, have the attitude that “I am anointed. I can accomplish my dreams. I can overcome any obstacle. I am equipped and empowered by the Creator of the universe! I am able to live the abundant life God has in store for me!” 
  
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me. Thank You for empowering me. Help me stay focused on Your Word and Your plan for me today. Help me understand Your anointing so that I can do all that You’ve called me to do. I bless You today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. - Joel & Victoria Osteen