February 25

Homily for Saturday after Ash Wednesday

Today’s Gospel reading features the very familiar story of Jesus calling Matthew or Levi, a tax collector. The words of Jesus in this situation are very simple. He simply looks at Matthew and says, “Follow me.” Matthew’s response to this invitation is to immediately leave everything behind and follow Jesus.

In today’s reading from the Prophet Isaiah, the same invitation is issued to the Israelites. However, we have to admit that the words that the prophet uses are much more elaborate. When you boil it all down, however, Isaiah is simply asking the children of Israel to accept God’s invitation to be his chosen people.

Linking these two readings together, the church uses Psalm 86 and asks us to respond with the words: “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your way.” In essence, we are asking to be taught so that we can follow.

The act of following someone implies that we see the other as the leader. Perhaps we can all remember the game we played as children: “Follow the leader.” In this game, everyone walks behind the leader and imitates his or her gestures. In our responsorial, we are asking God to help us to walk in a way that will distinguish us as disciples or servants.

The Season of Lent is given to us by the church to allow us the time to consider how well we are following the leader. Isaiah tells us that if we are faithful in following God’s commandments, we shall be a “well-watered garden.” This is a powerful image for a prophet of Judah because this particular region of Israel is largely a desert wasteland. The image is a powerful description of renewal.

As Jesus called Matthew, he also calls us. We have gathered around the table of the Lord seeking refreshment and renewal. Our Lenten journey has just begun, and the example of Matthew stands as an image of what can happen to us if we use this time well.