Matthew: The Gift of the Lord – September 21

Today’s Readings: AM: Psalm 119:41-64; Isaiah 8:11-20; Romans 10:1-15; PM: Psalm 19, 112; Job 28:12-28; Matthew 13:44-52

Today is the feast of Saint Matthew, remembered by the Church as an apostle and evangelist. He told the stories of Jesus. He shared the words of Jesus. His life did not start that way, though. He was raised amid the Roman establishment and served as a tax collector. In a world of “haves” and “have-nots”, he was in the former camp.

And then one day Jesus was walking and saw this tax collector sitting at a tax collection post, and said to him, "Follow me." And the man stood up and followed Him and became one of His twelve apostles. His name was different then, perhaps called Levi, if we go by what Mark and Luke wrote of his answering Jesus’ call. Matthew means “gift of the Lord” in Hebrew. Matthew’s ministry and dedication continue to be a gift of God to us, calling us into the life and legacy of Jesus.

That legacy is one that teaches us the message of God to the prophet Hosea: “I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (6:6) Jesus offers the point to ponder in this way to the Pharisees when they see Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners: “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but the sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)

God knows that we hunger and seek fulfilment. God knows that the void within us can be filled with the grace and joy of the Divine Presence. And yet, it is hard to get there. So, we continue to practice faithful living, through thoughts, words, and deeds. It is in the confession of sin that we pray to get realigned with God, naming the thoughts, words, and deeds that take us away from the Lord.

Jesus calls out, “Follow me!” – looking at all of humanity. There are moments when we are painfully aware that we need that salvific, amazing grace. Jesus is calling out to each of us. May Saint Matthew, the gift of the Lord, continue to inspire us to stand up to seek the kingdom of heaven. 

Katherine+

Questions for Self-Reflection: 

 When making a big, life-changing choice, do you jump in 100% - like quitting "cold turkey", or do you make a gradual change?

Who has invited you into a space of mercy and grace? How did you respond?

Daily Challenge: 

Tell the story of your calling as a Christian: Write down how you came to follow Jesus. Who was there? Where were you? What was life like for you at that time? What changes did you make