Every September 21, the Church celebrates the Feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist. We remember the remarkable story of a man whose life was completely changed by a single invitation from Jesus: “Follow me.”
Before he became one of the Twelve Apostles, Matthew was known as Levi, a tax collector. In the time of Jesus, tax collectors were often rejected by society because they were associated with the Roman authorities and were sometimes viewed as people who took advantage of others. Because of his profession, Matthew was considered an outsider among his own people.
Yet Jesus saw beyond the labels placed on him.
As Jesus passed by the tax booth, He called Matthew to follow Him. Without hesitation, Matthew left his former life behind and became a disciple of Christ. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter—not only in Matthew’s life but also in the story of the Church.
Matthew’s journey reminds us that God does not look at people only through their past. Jesus did not see Matthew simply as a tax collector. He saw someone who could become a witness of His love and mercy.
After following Christ, Matthew dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel. He became the author of the Gospel of Matthew, sharing the teachings and life of Jesus with countless generations of believers. The man who was once rejected became a messenger of God’s Kingdom.
The Feast of St. Matthew is more than a celebration of an apostle’s life. It is also a reminder that God continues to call people today. Many carry regrets, failures, or experiences that make them feel unworthy. Matthew’s story tells us that our past does not have the power to define our future.
Jesus’ call to Matthew is also addressed to us: “Follow me.” It is an invitation to leave behind what prevents us from becoming the people God created us to be and to discover a deeper purpose through faith and service.
As the Church honors St. Matthew, we are reminded that every person has the possibility of renewal. Like the apostle who moved from a life of isolation to a life of mission, we too can begin a new chapter when we respond to Christ’s call.