Feast of Saint
Matthew, apostle and evangelist
(Ephesians 4:1-7.11-13; Matthew 9:9-13)
A young pastor in Chicago speaks of the theology of space. He sees his community as addressing violence
wherever it happens. He reasons that the Church building should reflect an
outreach to those often involved in violence. So he has opened in the middle of
the church by moving the pews to the side.
Now the youth who often cause violence can gather in church for
different activities seven days a week. The
pastor shows the same zeal to call sinners as Jesus does in today’s gospel.
What does Jesus see in Matthew? No doubt, the tax collector has financial
ability. But Jesus needs preachers who
will be loyal to him and then be ready to endure hardship on his behalf. Perhaps he notices on Matthew’s face dissatisfaction
with his compromised profession. As a
fine judge of character, he may see a reluctance to handle money and a need to
uplift others. In any case, he has assessed
Matthew correctly. As soon as he issues
his call, Matthew leaves behind his professional accoutrements to follow.
Jesus calls every one of us to serve. Certainly, we are not all to be apostles. But, as the Letter to the Ephesians says, everyone
is invited “for the work of ministry.” Let
us not hesitate to respond. Like Matthew
let us readily put our things aside to follow Jesus.
