The Feast of Saint Matthew

The Feast of Saint Matthew is a significant day in the Christian calendar, celebrated annually on the 21st of September. This day honours Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who is also credited with writing the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four canonical gospels in the New Testament.

Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was originally a tax collector before he became a follower of Jesus. Tax collectors were often viewed with suspicion and disdain by the Jewish people, as they were seen as collaborators with the Roman authorities and were often associated with corruption and greed. Despite this, Jesus chose Matthew to be one of his closest disciples, an act that symbolised the inclusive and forgiving nature of Christ’s teachings. Matthew’s conversion is a powerful story of transformation and redemption, illustrating how even those who are considered outcasts can find grace and purpose in the eyes of God.

The Gospel of Matthew is particularly significant as it is the first book of the New Testament. It presents a detailed account of the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, with a particular focus on how Jesus fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament. The Gospel is known for its emphasis on Jesus as the Messiah, the King of the Jews, and it contains some of the most well-known teachings of Christ, including the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, and the Lord’s Prayer. Through his writing, Saint Matthew sought to show the Jewish people that Jesus was the long-awaited saviour and to provide guidance for living a life that is pleasing to God.

The Feast of Saint Matthew is a day of reflection for Christians, particularly in the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions. It is an opportunity to consider the themes of conversion, discipleship, and evangelism, all of which are central to Matthew’s story. The day also serves as a reminder of the universality of Jesus’ message, which extends to all people, regardless of their past or social standing.

In many Christian communities, the Feast of Saint Matthew is marked by special church services, where readings from the Gospel of Matthew are often featured. These services may include prayers, hymns, and sermons that focus on the life and teachings of Saint Matthew. The day is also a time for believers to pray for the strength to follow in Matthew’s footsteps, embracing their own call to discipleship and spreading the message of the Gospel in their daily lives.

In addition to its religious significance, the Feast of Saint Matthew has also inspired various cultural traditions. In some regions, particularly in Europe, the day is associated with the harvest season, as it falls near the time of the autumn equinox. In these areas, the feast may be accompanied by celebrations that include the sharing of food, particularly fruits and grains, as a way of giving thanks for the bounty of the earth. This connection to the harvest further emphasises the themes of abundance and blessing that are often associated with Saint Matthew’s Gospel.

The iconography of Saint Matthew is also noteworthy. He is traditionally depicted as a man, often accompanied by an angel, which symbolises divine inspiration and guidance. In Christian art, Matthew is frequently shown writing his Gospel, sometimes with the angel beside him, offering direction and insight. This imagery reinforces the belief that Matthew’s words were not merely his own, but were inspired by the Holy Spirit, and thus hold a special place in the Christian faith.

Saint Matthew is also regarded as the patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, and bankers, a nod to his former profession. On his feast day, those who work in these fields may seek his intercession, asking for his guidance in their work and for the grace to perform their duties with honesty and integrity. This aspect of the feast highlights the idea that all professions, no matter how mundane or vilified, can be sanctified through a life of faith and dedication to God.

The Feast of Saint Matthew ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s call. Matthew’s story is one of unlikely beginnings and profound change, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace. His Gospel continues to inspire millions of believers around the world, offering a path to understanding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and encouraging all to live according to the values of the Kingdom of God.

As the Feast of Saint Matthew is observed each year, it invites Christians to reflect on their own journey of faith, to consider how they might better follow Christ in their own lives, and to renew their commitment to spreading the Good News to others. Whether through prayer, study, or service, the day offers an opportunity to deepen one’s relationship with God, following the example of Saint Matthew, whose life was forever changed by a simple invitation: “Follow me.”