Readings: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13
“Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)
St. Matthew, the son of Alpheus from Galilee, was one of Jesus’ twelve apostles. Before joining Jesus, he worked as a tax collector, a role many people disliked. His life took a dramatic turn when Jesus said, “Follow me,” prompting Matthew to leave his tax booth and become a devoted disciple. Matthew’s call is a classic example of how no one is useless before God. Many looked at Matthew and saw only a sinner because, as a tax collector, he always kept his share. However, God looked at Matthew and saw a man who would become a great apostle. God saw in him one who would become an evangelist, a gospel writer and a reference point for the world to understand Jesus.
Man’s opinion about you may be damaging, but God’s opinion matters. The name people call you is an identity; it does not define your essence. The fact that people are laughing at you or insulting you does not make you a loser. Let God have the last word. God relates to us based on our potential and not our past. We should, therefore, not allow the past to prevent us from responding to God’s call from within. You may be looking down on yourself based on your past errors and sins, but God still sees you as He created you; you are still good. Your potential for goodness is greater than any evil you have done.
In Luke 8:1-3, Luke tells us about the women who provided for Jesus and His disciples. These women, like Matthew, did not enjoy a great reputation in society. Again, like the woman who visited Jesus in the Pharisee’s house with her alabaster flask of ointment, Jesus forgave their sins, healed their infirmities, freed them from evil spirits, and transformed them into sacred vessels for God’s kingdom.
We all possess some inherent goodness. Even as a Tax Collector, Matthew had unique gifts for the ministry. One problem Christians often face is competing with one another rather than collaborating to build up God’s kingdom on earth. God has blessed us with various gifts to let our light shine so that “men may see our good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (cf. Matthew 5:16). God has not blessed us to outshine one another.
“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain the unity of the faith.” Wherever we find ourselves, we must be “eager to MAINTAIN THE UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Because “there is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6).
Pride goes before a fall. To those who felt scandalised seeing Jesus eat with Matthew and his fellow tax collectors, Jesus said: “I have not come to call the righteous (hypocrites who think they are perfect) but sinners.” Later, Jesus would say to these self-righteous folks: “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:31)
Examine yourself before you judge or condemn anyone. You might need to first remove the log in your eye before helping to remove the speck in someone’s eye. Regarding the economic crisis in our land, there is a tendency to point fingers at our leaders, but as long as we fail to repent ourselves, our problems will only worsen.
Matthew authored the first Gospel in the New Testament, which aligns closely with the other three Gospels and reinforces its authenticity. Composed in Aramaic between 41 and 50 AD, his Gospel aimed to depict Jesus as the spiritual Messiah rather than a militant figure. After Jesus’ crucifixion, Matthew is believed to have travelled to regions such as Parthia, Persia, or Ethiopia to escape persecution. The details of his death remain unknown. St. Matthew is recognised as the patron saint of bankers.
Let us pray: O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist – Feast. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13, Ps. 19:2-5, Matthew 9:9-13)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu