Homily

21 February 2026
Saturday after Ash Wednesday – Lent

Readings: Isaiah 58:9b–14; Luke 5:27–32

1. Introduction

My dear friend,

We have just begun our Lenten journey. The ashes are still fresh in our memory. The words still echo in our hearts: “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” Today, the Church gently teaches us what true repentance looks like. It is not a gloomy face. It is not dramatic sacrifice. It is a changed heart.

2. A Humorous Story

A little boy decided to “fast” for Lent. He proudly told his mother, “Mom, I’m giving up vegetables for Jesus!”

His mother smiled and said, “But you don’t eat vegetables anyway.”

The boy replied confidently, “Exactly! I’m very holy already.”

Sometimes we are like that little boy. We give up what we never liked in the first place. We sacrifice what costs us nothing. And we feel spiritual about it.

But Lent asks for something deeper.

3. Exegesis

In the Gospel (Luke 5:27–32), Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector. Tax collectors were considered sinners and traitors. Yet Jesus says to him: “Follow me.” And Levi leaves everything behind.

Notice two important movements:

First, Levi does not negotiate. He does not say, “Let me think about it.” He leaves everything and follows Jesus. That is conversion — decisive and concrete.

Second, after following Jesus, Levi throws a banquet. He invites other tax collectors and sinners. Jesus sits and eats with them.

The Pharisees complain: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

And Jesus replies with powerful words:
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Now look at the first reading from Isaiah (58:9b–14). God says that true fasting is not merely external. True fasting is:

• Removing oppression

• Feeding the hungry

• Helping the afflicted

• Honoring the Lord not only with rituals but with justice and mercy

So, the message is clear:

Real Lent is not about appearance.
It is about transformation.
It is about mercy.
It is about following Jesus without delay.

4. Three Practical Lessons for Today

1. Leave Something Real Behind

Levi left everything.
What do I need to leave behind?

Is it resentment? Gossip? Pride? A sinful habit?
Lent is not about giving up chocolate only. It may mean giving up anger, selfishness, or laziness in prayer.

Choose a sacrifice that touches your heart.

2. Let Jesus Sit at Your Table

Jesus entered Levi’s house. He did not stay outside.

Have I allowed Jesus into my daily life? Into my finances? My relationships? My private struggles?

Conversion is not only leaving sin.
It is inviting Christ into everything.

3. Become an Instrument of Mercy

Jesus did not avoid sinners. He sought them.

This Lent:

• Forgive someone.

• Call someone who feels forgotten.

• Help someone in need.

• Stop judging so quickly.

True fasting makes us kinder.

5. Inspirational Quote

“Lent is a time of renewal for the whole Church, for each community and every believer. Above all, it is a time of grace.”

Lent is not punishment.
It is grace.
It is an opportunity to begin again.

6. Conclusion

Brothers and sisters,

Levi stood up and followed Jesus.
The Pharisees stayed seated and complained.

Today we must choose:
Will we stand up and follow?
Or will we remain comfortable and critical?

Lent is short.
Grace is available.
The Physician is near.

Let us not waste this season.

7. Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You called Levi from his tax booth
And turned a sinner into a disciple.

Call us again today.
Give us courage to leave behind what enslaves us.
Teach us true fasting —
Not only from food,
But from sin, pride, and indifference.

Make our hearts merciful.
Make our homes places where You are welcome.
Heal us, Physician of our souls,
And lead us closer to You this Lent.

Amen.