Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, who left behind his former life to follow Jesus.

Matthew was a tax collector, working within the Roman system and collecting taxes from his fellow Jews. Tax collectors were widely despised at the time, both because of their association with the occupying authorities and because some were known to profit personally from the taxes they collected.

Yet it was to Matthew that Jesus said simply: “Follow me.”

Matthew got up and followed him.

Soon afterwards, Jesus ate at Matthew’s house with other tax collectors and those regarded as sinners. The Pharisees were scandalised and asked why Jesus would associate with such people.

Jesus replied: “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do… I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

Matthew’s call is a powerful reminder that Christ does not wait for us to become perfect before calling us. He meets people where they are and invites them into a new life.

Tradition identifies Matthew with the author of the Gospel that bears his name, and he has been honoured by the Church since ancient times as both Apostle and Evangelist.

His life reminds us of the transforming power of Christ’s mercy and of the call each of us receives to leave behind whatever holds us back and follow him more faithfully.

🙏 Saint Matthew, pray for us.