September 21, Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
“Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”
(Matthew 8:26)
Saint Matthew was one of Christ’s twelve apostles, known by his first name: “In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” (Luke 6:12–16). Before that, he was a tax collector and was named Levi, son of Alphaeus. But when the Savior called him, he left everything behind to follow Him and become His disciple: “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him.” (Matthew 9:9).
Later, he was among the twelve disciples called to become apostles of Christ: “At that time, Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the whole night praying to God. When day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named Apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter; Andrew his brother; James; John; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon called the Zealot; Jude the son of James; and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.” (Luke 6:12–16).
Thus, because he was very close to Jesus, he wrote the first Gospel, in the Aramaic language. After Pentecost, he set out to proclaim the Good News throughout the world and traveled as far as Ethiopia. His faith was immense and boundless. He had dedicated his life to the Lord and died for it. Indeed, he was murdered after he defended a consecrated virgin whom an Ethiopian prince coveted.
Saint Matthew, the apostle and evangelist, is celebrated on September 21. Processions are regularly held in his honor. He is the patron saint of accountants and bankers, among others. He is honored not only for the holiness of his life and his devotion to Christ, but also because he wrote a Gospel that is very faithful to the life of Christ and very accessible to all thanks to his writing style.
Let us pray to Saint Matthew that he may help us turn our lives toward the Lord and offer our lives to Him.
Praying with the Apostle and Evangelist, Saint Matthew
Prayer to Saint Matthew for a Deep-Rooted Faith
“Saint Matthew, our guide and beloved brother, obtain for us a deep faith, a firm hope, and a burning love for the Lord, so that we may say, like Paul: ‘It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.’ Help us to become apostles who serve the Church with a clear conscience, witnesses to her greatness and beauty in the midst of the darkness of our time. With you we praise God, the Father in heaven! To him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus for all ages and all centuries. Amen”
Prayer to Follow the Example of Holiness Set by the Apostle Matthew
“My God,
We give thanks for the life and legacy of Saint Matthew. We are inspired by your willingness to leave your former life behind and follow Jesus. We ask you to help us do the same.
We pray for those who feel lost, desperate, or forgotten. May they be reminded of the power of redemption and transformation through the love of Jesus.
We also ask for your guidance and wisdom as we navigate our daily lives. Help us to live in a way that honors you and spreads your message of love and compassion.
May we always remember the example of Saint Matthew and strive to live a life that is faithful and devoted to his word.”
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