“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus 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: 11 - 13).
Today is the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Jesus called Matthew to follow Him from his Tax Man's office. The people were highly scandalized by this action of Jesus. Why Matthew the corrupt sinner, they questioned? "The call and gift of God is irrevocable." (Romans 11: 29).
The Lord blotted out his sins and removed his impediments. He then made him a priest and evangelist. Matthew went on to write the first Gospel which bears his name.
"O God, who with untold mercy
were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession,
we may merit to hold firm in following you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son." (Collect on the Feast of St Matthew).
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