Saint of the Day
St. Matthew
St. Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to be a disciple. Tax collectors were considered collaborators with Rome and were socially ostracized by other Jews. His call illustrates the radical inclusivity of Jesus's invitation. Tradition holds that Matthew wrote the first Gospel, emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. He is venerated as a martyr, though the manner of his death is uncertain.
Scripture Reading
Matthew 9:10-11
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
Reflection
Matthew's first act after following Jesus was to throw a dinner party and fill it with the people like himself — the marginal, the despised, the known sinners. Jesus sat down with them. This is the feast of St. Matthew: not just the call to follow, but the table that results, where no past disqualifies anyone from a seat.
Prayer for Today
Father, Praise You for the nourishment the You provide. Thank You for meeting our physical needs of hunger and thirst. Forgive us for taking that simple joy for granted, and bless this food to fuel our bodies forward into Your will for our lives. We pray
that we will be energized and be able to work for the glory of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
that we will be energized and be able to work for the glory of Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Amen.