Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist - Feast
Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13 ·
Psalm 18(19):2-5
Matthew 9:9-13
For I came not to call the righteous but sinners-Matt.9:13.
Today, the Church commemorates the feast of St. Matthew. Christ called him while he worked as a tax collector, and that encounter transformed his life. Matthew dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving God and faithfully obeyed His commandments. Ultimately, he authored the Gospel according to Matthew, offering a detailed account of his Master's life. Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, from start to finish, Jesus is presented as Immanuel, God-with-us, remaining with us until the end of time.
Matthew acknowledges the ever-present guidance of Jesus, the Son of Man, who came through David's lineage to call the weary and lost back to the Father. It is noteworthy that, when Matthew hosted Christ at his home, there were many other tax collectors and sinners present, sharing a meal. This prompts the question: why would Christ, the Teacher, dine with such individuals? The answer lies in His own words, directed at the Pharisees who questioned Him: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”
We have all fallen short of the glory of God, and he desires to extend His saving grace and boundless mercy to those who heed His call, so they may find salvation. It is essential to recognize and remain attentive to God's mercy — the mercy that has restored us from sickness to health, from unrighteousness to holiness, and from being lost to being saved. This message, conveyed by Christ to His disciples, extends across the earth — a divine mandate and commission given to us all, as expressed in Matthew 28:19-20.
God’s calling invites us to be more receptive and attentive to His presence. One admirable aspect of St. Matthew’s example is his acknowledgment of his own sinfulness, his openness to welcoming Christ into his heart and home, and his dedication to following Jesus through his skills of writing and accountability. He became a faithful witness to the end. This principle should guide every disciple: recognizing our need for God’s mercy, remaining attentive to the Master’s teachings in His word and through His presence in our lives, and experiencing daily conversion and renewal in faith.
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