Readings: Ephesians 4: 1-7, 11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9: 9-13
We are all called to proclaim the Good News to others, first by actions, and if necessary, with our words. We should be dedicating ourselves to personal and communal spiritual renewal and committing ourselves to proclaiming the Gospel to others.
Today we reflect on St. Matthew, the apostle and the attributed author of one of the four Gospels. We reflect on his call to leave the tax tables and follow Jesus. The First Reading speaks about the different ministries in the church including two of the callings which Matthew had: apostle and evangelist. We are reminded that the purpose of all ministries within the church is: the building up the Body of Christ – the church.
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us that the Good News is not something which can be kept to ourselves. And the Gospel gives us our best glimpse of the man named Matthew.
It took just a moment for Matthew, sitting at the tax office to follow Jesus Christ. What did he have in his heart, this tax collector, so despised by others? Did he have in mind to really change that life which, yes, guaranteed him a certain economic tenor, but, perhaps, which was then actually lived in suffering and anxiety? We are not given to read into the heart of St. Matthew, as Jesus did; we know - and certainly not a little - that that moment and that encounter led to a sudden choice. In that "follow me" there is not an imperious command from a dictator to his troops but an exhortation that requires a prompt and sure response of love. We can think that this is precisely what the evangelist Matthew himself wanted to leave behind, describing his vocation in an almost impersonal way. Something important emerges in the speed of the scene. On the one hand, the same figure of Christ who emanates love and respect in every word and attitude. A look from Jesus is worth a thousand words. Jesus expresses true authority and demonstrates deep love; it is that love of those who read hearts and want to give them the possibility of salvation. A penetrating gaze full of love is what Jesus always places on those he meets. When one encounters Jesus, it is never by chance but from this encounter a true spark of love springs up, capable of lighting up all life, as St. Matthew demonstrated with his answer. We can also note the prompt generosity of Matthew who wastes no time in responding with facts to Jesus' "follow me". For Matthew, Jesus immediately becomes an experience of concrete life and the answer to his doubts and a sign of change of life. St. Matthew stands as a sign of change and conversion. He leaves the table right away because he has found who can truly fill his life. Let us pray that our encounter with Jesus will always be a sign of conversion for our life.
Lord, May we follow You wherever You lead and, with your grace, recommit ourselves to a more radically.