St. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum before his call to follow Jesus. Tax collectors were often despised for their association with Roman authorities and their reputation for dishonesty. However, Jesus saw potential in Matthew and invited him to leave his tax booth and become one of His disciples.
Matthew responded immediately, leaving behind his lucrative profession. He hosted a great banquet for Jesus, inviting many of his fellow tax collectors and sinners to meet Him. This act of hospitality demonstrated his desire to share his new-found faith with others.
Matthew is also credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four New Testament Gospels. His Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and provides detailed teachings of Christ. Matthew’s experience as a tax collector gave him a unique perspective on Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness, grace, and the Kingdom of Heaven.
Practical Lessons:
Lesson 1: Be Open to Change: Matthew’s willingness to leave his job and follow Jesus shows the importance of being open to significant changes in our lives when we feel called to do so. Whether it’s changing careers, shifting priorities, or making lifestyle adjustments, we should be ready to embrace new directions when they align with our values and faith.Lesson 2: Use Your Gifts to Share Your Faith: Matthew used his skills and position to introduce others to Jesus, demonstrating the value of leveraging our personal abilities and resources for the greater good. In our daily lives, we can apply this by finding ways to use our talents and opportunities to share our faith and serve others, whether through our work, volunteer efforts, or personal relationships.
Prayer to St. Matthew:
O God, who called St. Matthew to be an Apostle and Evangelist, grant that we may follow his example of faithfulness and dedication. Help us to be open to Your call, to use our gifts to serve others, and to share Your love and teachings with those around us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.