THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.
THE FEAST OF ST MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST.
"As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
"He heard this and said, “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: 9 - 13).
Thursday September 21st 2024, 24th Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.
Jesus encountered Matthew in his Tax Office. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."
Why did Matthew respond to the Call of Jesus at once?
Matthew earned his leaving in an occupation where daily sin is irresistible. He was aware that the people despised him.
Matthew's heart had yearned for a change of job and a change of life for a long time. St Augustine teaches that every true desire is a prayer crying out to God. God Himself plants every good desire in our hearts.
Jesus said to Matthew, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him."
This Call and Response was not an accident. It was pure Divine Providence.
A man named Matthew was called by Jesus to follow Him. The man left everything: job, money, house and property and friends and followed the stranger named Jesus. Matthew was not a saint when Jesus called him. But Jesus did not come to call saints. Paul describes his own calling thus:
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 1: 12 - 14).
Matthew could have written the above words.
Jesus delights in sinners because sinners give Him the opportunity to show off His mercy. Why did Jesus institute the Most Holy Eucharist? Jesus delights in mercy. Why did our Lord and Redeemer Institute the Sacrament of Reconciliation? To embrace sinners in His merciful love. Why did Jesus institute the Sacred Heart of Jesus Devotion, the Divine Mercy Devotion? Jesus delights in mercy. Mercy may well be the last covenant with mankind.
Matthew accepted the call of Jesus with generosity and then lived in a manner worthy of the call he received. He used his old skill as a tax recorder to become an evangelist and penned the Gospel that bears his name.
The call of Matthew is a story of mercy. The unfathomable mercy of God. “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: 12 - 13).
Have you received any mercies from Jesus lately? Do you know the ABC of Mercy?
+ A. Ask for mercy.
+ B. Be merciful.
+ C. Completely trust Jesus for mercy.
"Make it your first care to find the kingdom of God." (Matthew 6:33).
"The kingdom of God is present in all its fullness, though in a hidden manner, in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. He who seeks out My Eucharistic presence is seeking the kingdom of God. He who approaches Me in the Sacrament of My love will find the kingdom and therein all that he desires according to My Spirit. Come first to Me in the Sacrament of My love. Let this become the supernatural instinct of your soul: always to come to Me, always to seek My Eucharistic Face." (IN SINU JESU, Monday, August 25, 2008).
In September, the Church honors the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows obtain for us mercies from her Son Jesus.
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate and Sorrowful Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
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