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September 21st: Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Gospel text
Mt 9:9-13
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.
Gospel's Commentary
Today we celebrate the holiness of a former “tax collector.” Jesus welcomes into the circle of His closest companions a man who, according to the thinking of Israel at that time, was considered a public sinner because he collected taxes in the service of the Roman Empire. Matthew deserves credit: he gave up a “comfortable” and “secure” position to become a true public servant as an apostle of God.
—“I desire mercy, not sacrifice”: Jesus excludes no one from His friendship!