Gospel: February 21, 2026

February 21, 2026 (Saturday)

Saturday After Ash Wednesday

Psalter: Week 4 (Violet/White)

St. Peter Damian, bishop & doctor

Ps 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.

1st Reading: Isaiah 58:9b-14

Gospel: Luke 5:27-32

After this, Jesus went out, and noticing a tax collector named Levi, sitting in the tax office, he said to him, “Follow me!”

So Levi, leaving everything, got up and followed Jesus.

See Also

January 30, 2000: Stock market chair: No evidence of fraud

Levi gave a great feast for Jesus, and many tax collectors came to his house, and took their places at the table with the other people. Then the Pharisees and their followers complained to Jesus’ disciples, “How is it that you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” But Jesus spoke up, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I have not come to call the just, but sinners, to a change of heart.”

Reflection:

He sees beyond our flaws.

Today, St. Luke presents the conversion narrative of Levi, the tax collector. Tax collectors were ostracized by their own kind because they exploited their countrymen by imposing excessive taxes in favor of the Romans and for themselves. Despite this, Jesus called Levi His disciple, revealing that He sees beyond our flaws and recognizes the good within us. Levi’s immediate response to Jesus testifies this as he followed obediently without hesitation. As Levi stood up and followed Jesus, he also rose from his sinful life and found a new life in Jesus; hence, the celebration. We, too, are invited to do the same, to leave everything that hinders us from following Jesus. Let us make the most in this Lenten season by examining what we need to leave behind for the glory of God’s Kingdom.