When Levi decided to be a tax collector (see Lk 5:27), he separated himself from his people and his family. This probably showed that his family relationships were in ruins. But if his family relationships had not been completely ruined, Levi proceeded to ruin them by becoming a tax collector, an accomplice of the Roman oppression and an enemy of the Jewish people.

After Levi followed Jesus and received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, this man whose house had been in ruins became part of the apostolic foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14). Levi, who is also called Matthew, compiled and wrote the first book of the New Testament. After the Lord restored Levi's ruined homestead, He definitely fulfilled His promise to us and to Levi that we would "ride on the heights of the earth" (Is 58:14).

The amazing process by which the Lord restored Levi's ruined homestead and transformed countless millions through Levi's Gospel can be begun by true fasting (see Is 58:6ff). Our fasting this Lent will also restore ruined homesteads and raise up great leaders so that we too will ride on the heights of the earth.

Fasting begins a march to greatness. Fast and change the world.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 1, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 7, 2002