Today we hear the familiar story of the tax collector, Levi. He was sitting at the customs post. Jesus came by and spoke to him. He invited Levi  to follow him. On the spur of the moment, Levi got up, walked away from the customs post and followed Jesus.
Levi must have been fairly wealthy  because he hosted a great banquet for Jesus at his home. Naturally Levi had invited his friends, many of whom also were tax collectors. As they sat at table, the Pharisees and scribes came and complained to Jesus’ followers. They asked them why the dined with such sinners.
Jesus overheard them asking the question and he responded directly to them bluntly telling them that people who are healthy do not need a doctor. It is the people who are ill or in need who need a doctor to care for them. He tells the Pharisees that He has not come to those who see themselves as righteous. Rather, He has come to call those who are in need of healing. More specifically, Jesus tells them that He has come to call sinners.
In all probability  the Pharisees were taken aback at Jesus’ blunt criticism. Were any of them able to “own” the comments that Jesus made?   Were any of the Pharisees  able to take Jesus’ message to heart?  Did one or two of them walk away from Jesus feeling ashamed of their judgment? Or  were any of them intrigued with Jesus and want to learn more about Him? 

What in this Gospel touches us deeply?  What is the message we want to “take to heart” today? Levi just left his previous life and went to follow Jesus.  Each day  Jesus calls us .   Will we follow ?