St. Matthew - Evangelist & Martyr

Today, we celebrate the feast of St. Matthew. Matthew as you may recall was named Levi, the tax collector before he encountered Jesus.

Matthew, was one of the four Evangelists, along with Mark, Luke and John. In his Gospel, he paints Jesus as a lawgiver and Messiah, the great teacher of Israel.

Matthew wrote primarily for a Jewish Audience. The most plausible interpretation is that Matthew was addressed to a once strongly Jewish Christian church that had become increasingly Gentile in composition.

This Gospel has two focuses, Jesus the Christ and the near approach of the Kingdom of God which Jesus proclaims. The two themes are closest together at the beginning of the Gospel, where Jesus is set forth as royal Son of God and Immanuel, God with us.

Matthew tells us that Jesus is given all divine authority as Son of Man over the kingdom of God, in heaven and on earth. The kingdom of God is the great hope, prayer and proclamation which unify the entire Gospel.

American Catholic tells us that "Matthew got Jesus in trouble by having a sort of going-away party at his house. The Gospel tells us that "many" tax collectors and "those known as sinners" came to the dinner.

The Pharisees were still more badly shocked. What business did the supposedly great teacher have associating with such immoral people? Jesus' answer was, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' I did not come to call the righteous but sinners" (Matthew 9:12b-13).

Jesus is not setting aside ritual and worship; he is saying that loving others is even more important."

Jesus chose one of the foundations of the Church, a man others, judging from his job, thought was not holy enough for the position. But he was honest enough to admit that he was one of the sinners Jesus came to call. He was open enough to recognize truth when he saw him. "And he got up and followed him" (Matthew 9:9b).

As we reflect upon the life of St. Matthew, know that God loves each and everyone of us. All of us are eligible to partake in the ministry of Jesus. Like Matthew, may we welcome the Lord's invitation to "Come follow me." May we re-dedicate ourselves to proclaim God's word to those around us.