Today is the Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist. Happy feast day! Matthew was a publican, that is, a tax-collector for the Romans. His profession was hateful to the Jews because it reminded them of their subjection; the publican, also, was regarded by the Pharisees as the typical sinner. That was until he encountered Jesus Christ (Matt. 9:9) and was called to become the great saint that he did, indeed, become. The pastor of Saint Matthew in Flint, Father Anthony Strouse, now explains why he is inspired by his parish’s patron saint. He says:
“As pastor of Saint Matthew parish in Flint, I have grown in my devotion to Saint Matthew over the past few years.”
“One of the things that inspires me is how he left everything behind. He somehow, by the grace of God, knew that following Christ would be worth more than any of the riches he had amassed as a tax collector.”
“It encourages me to listen to the invitations that Christ sends to me each day and not fear leaving other things behind. Saint Matthew shows the utter reliance in God that should be hallmark of every disciple. Saint Matthew, pray for us!”
Let us pray: 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, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
• To know more about Saint Matthew in Flint, go to: https://www.stmatthewflint.org/
• Additional material from Catholic Culture at: https://www.catholicculture.org/