Today, September 21, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and the traditional author of the Gospel according to Matthew.
Before following Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector. One day, Jesus passed by and saw him sitting at the customs post. Jesus simply said to him:
“Follow me.”
Matthew immediately got up and followed Him.
— Matthew 9:9
What a beautiful reminder that Jesus can call us in the middle of our ordinary lives. Matthew was not among the religious leaders or respected members of society. He was a tax collector, yet Jesus saw something in him and called him to become one of His Apostles.
Matthew responded without hesitation.
Jesus Calls Sinners
After Matthew followed Jesus, many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus associated with sinners, Jesus answered:
“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.”
— Matthew 9:12
Then Jesus said:
“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
— Matthew 9:13
These words are at the heart of Matthew’s story. Jesus did not wait for Matthew to become perfect before calling him. He called Matthew first, and Matthew responded by following Him.
This is also a message for each one of us. Whatever our past may be, we should never believe that we are beyond God’s mercy. Jesus continues to call sinners to conversion, holiness, and new life.
St. Matthew, Evangelist
After becoming an Apostle, Matthew became a witness to Christ and proclaimed the Gospel. His Gospel begins by presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah and connects Him with the history and promises of Israel.
The Church continues to proclaim the Gospel of Matthew throughout the world. His witness reminds us that an encounter with Jesus can completely change the direction of a person’s life.
Matthew left behind his old life and followed Christ. He teaches us not only to hear the words “Follow me,” but to actually respond to them.
A Prayer to St. Matthew
Glorious St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist,
You heard the call of Jesus and immediately left your old life to follow Him. Pray for us, that we may hear the voice of Christ and have the courage to follow Him faithfully.
Help us to trust in God’s mercy when we have sinned, and teach us to turn our hearts back to Jesus with humility and repentance.
Pray for our families, our loved ones, and all those who are searching for God. May we never forget that Jesus came to call sinners and to lead us into the fullness of His mercy and love.
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us.
Amen.
Reflection
Perhaps today Jesus is saying to you what He once said to Matthew:
“Follow me.”
Do not be afraid to leave behind what separates you from God. Like St. Matthew, rise and follow Christ.
St. Matthew, pray for us!
Leave us your prayers…