September 21 marks the Feast of St. Matthew.
Before reflecting on St. Matthew, it is important to note that the turning point in his life was the divine statement made by Lord Jesus to St. Matthew telling him, "Follow me”.
He immediately became a disciple of Lord Jesus. Being a disciple of Jesus represents a nonpareil honor or rather the utmost hope of every sinner.
This term “follow me” abounds with exhilaration, elation, and joy, for whoever follows Lord Jesus and walks with Him hand-in-hand will find satisfaction, joy and peace for He is the Prince of Peace.
According to the Holy Gospel, Matthew was working at a collection booth in Capernaum when Lord Jesus Christ came to him and asked, "Follow me." With this simple call, Matthew became a disciple of Christ.
In the Holy Bible, according to Matthew, we know of the numerous activities of Lord Jesus Christ and the message Christ spread of salvation for all people who come to Him.
The Gospel’s account of Matthew tells the same story as that found in the other three Gospels, so scholars are certain of its authenticity. His book is the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament.
Following the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, Matthew wrote his gospel account. He wrote the book in Aramaic in the hope that his account would convince his fellow people that Jesus was the Messiah and that His kingdom had been fulfilled in a spiritual way. It was an important message at a time when almost everyone was expecting the return of a militant messiah brandishing a sword.
Saint Matthew is often depicted with one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7, which reads, "The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a bull, the third living creature had a human face, and the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle."
St. Matthew Prayer
O Glorious St. Matthew, in your Gospel you portray Jesus as the longed-for Messiah who fulfilled the Prophets of the Old Covenant and as the new Lawgiver who founded a Church of the New Covenant.
Obtain for us the grace to see Jesus living in his Church and to follow his teachings in our lives on earth so that we may live forever with him in heaven.
