Yesterday was his feast day, the day he was remembered and honored in the Church calendar.
Here is the Scripture passage that tells us this story of Matthew’s call. He was a tax collector, so his mind was on the things of this world. Money was what occupied his time and attention.
All of that changed in a moment when he met Jesus.
Gospel Mt 9:9-13
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.”
Jem Sullivan, PhD, is a fine Bible teacher. In today’s video reflection she makes reference to Caravaggio’s painting of the call of Matthew. She pointed out how the hand of Jesus extended towards Matthew is taken from Michelangelo’s painting of the creation of Adam.
Notice the hand of Jesus pointing towards Matthew, whose head is down as he counts the money. It is a life-giving gesture. Jesus says to him, “Follow me.”
Matthew got up and followed. Now instead of being consumed by worldly goods, he became consumed with following Jesus.
Contemplate this painting and the words of the Gospel of Matthew. He is telling us a little of his own life and calling.
Listen to the little video reflection by Dr. Sullivan. She brings in more details and encourages us to think about God’s call on our own lives. How are our lives transformed by our encounter with Jesus, the Son of God?
Here is the Caravaggio painting.
Check out the video reflection for September 21, 2016.
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