Feast of Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist
(Ephesians 4:1-7.11-13; Matthew 9:9-13)
A man was making a fortune in the world of finance. Raised in a family dedicated to Christ, he
started to reconsider his life. He left
his career to study theology. The he
became a Catholic and found a position helping street people. In time he became the director of a diocesan
Catholic Charities program. His story
reflects that of St. Matthew in today’s gospel.
Customs workers in gospel times, and still today in many
places, are assumed to be corrupt. Their
position offers so many opportunities for taking bribes that few people pass
them by. Evidently, Jesus feels the need
of a bookkeeper in his company or at least for one of Matthew’s other abilities. He calls Matthew from his workplace to follow. But there is a more basic reason for the
call. Matthew, a sinner, needs
salvation!
We should know that we are likewise sinners in need of God’s
grace. Jesus bestows this
grace upon us as we hear the gospel proclaimed.
Like Matthew we should not hesitate to respond favorably.
