Readings
I - Eph. 4: 1-7, 11-13
II - Mt. 9: 9-13
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE, EVANGELIST (Feast)
Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, the apostle of Jesus. Matthew, the evangelist was a tax collector and therefore he was considered as a traitor. The tax collectors were hated and considered as outcast by their own people because they collected tax more than that was levied by the Romans; and hence there were financially rich. The Jews seldom associated with them. To such a person came the invitation from Jesus “Follow me”. The intent look and the powerful invitation of Jesus, pierced the eyes and conquered the heart of Matthew that he gave up his profiteering profession as tax collector to gain life eternal with the Lord.
The guilt of sin often prevents a person from approaching the throne of God. Today’s Gospel passage is a consolation and an encouragement, for Jesus says, “I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners”. From the life of Matthew we can hope for a new beginning and a new life in Jesus. Matthew was shrewd to capture the look of Jesus and smart to respond to the appeal of Jesus. Jesus had come to call the sinners not the righteous (Mt. 9:13). The Lord knows our fragility and weakness. Just allow and yield unto the grace of God for a transformation and a new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Saint Matthew, the evangelist, Pray for us”.
