Friday, September 20, 2019

St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist, Saturday, 21-09-19

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 / Matthew 9:9-13

If we were asked in a Bible trivia, which of the apostles was a tax-collector, we would almost unanimously say it was St. Matthew.

And today's gospel passage recorded the occasion when Jesus called Matthew who was sitting by the customs house to follow him.

Yet we might want to take a moment to think about why Jesus called a person who was a tax-collector and why Matthew responded to the call.

Going by sound reasoning and public-relations, Jesus shouldn't have called a tax-collector who was considered an outcast at least, and a traitor at worst.

Calling a tax-collector would only erode His credibility and tarnish his public image.

On the other hand, for Matthew to have responded to the call would indicate that there had already been a yearning for a meaningful life and to walk the straight path of truth and justice and mercy.

The call-story of St. Matthew reiterates the fact that no one is unworthy or too sinful to be rejected by God. Everyone is called by God for a special and unique purpose and mission.

Yes Jesus came not to call the virtuous but sinners. And the call is first and foremost a call to repentance and conversion.

In St. Matthew's gospel, that is also the message. Jesus is the promised Messiah that has come to save us.

May we open our hearts to the call of conversion and repentance so that God's plan of salvation can be fulfilled in us.