Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 17,2026

Date: Memorial of St. Anthony

Scripture Text:   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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

 The gospel reading for today recounts Jesus’ calling of Levi or Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple. The second part of the reading focus’ on Jesus association with “sinners and tax collectors.” Jesus quiets his critics by reminding them that He was sent to call sinners. Both highlight Jesus’ mission to call and save sinners.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I exhibit religious arrogance rather than spiritual humility? Do I admit authentically that I am one of the sinners Jesus came to call and save?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, Son of God, my Savior and Physician, heal me of my spiritual blindness. Open my mind and heart to your presence not only in our world but in others. Grant that I may hear your call and leave behind all that would keep me from truly following You. May I experience the peace that only You can grant.  May I embrace salvation from the Father, through You, in the Spirit. Amen.