“Both readings today talk about conversion. Not the kind that looks good on the outside, but the kind that really changes us—how we live, how we treat people, and how we relate to God.
1. God wants a heart that cares, not just a body that fasts
In the first reading, God says something very direct: “Stop oppressing others, stop pointing fingers, stop speaking evil—and then I will listen to you.”
In simple words, God is telling us: Your prayers become powerful when your heart becomes kind.
God is not impressed if we skip meals but continue to hurt people. He is not happy if we fast from food but continue to judge, gossip, insult, or ignore the poor.
The fast God wants is this:
- choosing kindness instead of anger,
- generosity instead of greed,
- mercy instead of pride.
When our faith starts showing itself in compassion, God promises light, healing, and renewal in our lives.
2. Jesus sees who we can become
In the Gospel, Jesus sees Levi, a tax collector. At that time, tax collectors were seen as corrupt and sinful. People only saw Levi’s past.
But Jesus sees something else—his future.
Jesus does not scold him. He does not give a long sermon. He simply says, “Follow me.” And Levi gets up and follows.
This is very comforting for us. Jesus does not wait for us to become perfect before calling us. He meets us where we are—but He loves us too much to leave us there.
That is why Jesus eats with sinners. Not because He approves of sin, but because He wants to heal sinners. As Jesus says,
“I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
3. When we are changed, we are sent
Levi’s encounter with Jesus changes his life. He leaves his old ways and starts a new one. True conversion always leads to action.
Isaiah says that when we live the fast God desires, we become repairers of broken walls and restorers of streets to live in.
That is also our mission today. Being Christian is not just about avoiding sin. It is about helping heal what is broken—in our families, in our communities, and even in our nation.
The Church is not a museum for perfect people. It is a hospital for sinners. And once we are healed, God sends us to help heal others.
Final Words
Today, let us ask ourselves honestly:
- Are we fasting only with our bodies, or also with our hearts?
- Do we judge like the Pharisees, or love like Jesus?
- Are we willing, like Levi, to leave behind whatever keeps us from following the Lord?
If we choose the fast God wants and accept the mercy Jesus offers, then little by little, our lives—and our world—can change.”