21 September 2022
Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Today we remember the life of St. Matthew, from whom we receive the Gospel of Matthew, as well as the beautiful story of how he came to follow Jesus. Or, at least, we imagine it is beautiful: we receive no insight into how he came to make such a drastic decision with his life. The Lord passed by his customs post, said, “Follow me,” and Matthew did so. He hosted Jesus at a dinner in his own home, inviting many of his friend who were also tax collectors and others spurned by righteous society. “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” the Pharisees ask. They ask because to eat at table with someone was a sign of fellowship and intimacy: you identified with those you ate with, and thus to eat with this nefarious crowd was seen as Jesus saying, “I am one of them,” which would doom the reputation of a respected rabbi.
But this is the Jesus born in a stable. This is the Jesus who stood in line with sinners to be baptized by John. This is Emmanuel: God with us. If Jesus was to avoid eating with sinners He would forever eat alone! Thus He responds, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do…I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” The Pharisees are called to that table just as much as is the most notorious prostitute, but notice the difference between their actions and the actions of Matthew “the sinner,” and recall the words of Jesus from yesterday’s Gospel:
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”
Matthew heard Jesus say, “Follow me,” and he did so for the rest of his life. The Pharisees heard the same call…and stayed put.