Feast of St Matthew the Apostle

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Fourth Week : Saturday*

*Feast of St Matthew the Apostle*

*Gospel : Mt 9:9–13*

*First Reading : Eph 4:1–7, 11–13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 19:2-3, 4-5*

*Matthew : From tax collector to Apostle*

*1) Background of Matthew*

The Gospel of Mark teaches us that Matthew’s name was originally Levi. 

Levi was identified as a Galilean and the son of Alphaeus. 

He was a tax collector and served Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee.

*2) Matthew and the problem of His profession*

Levi as a tax collector was not popular. Because the Romans forced the Jewish people to pay taxes. 

Tax collectors were known to cheat the people by charging more than required and pocketing the difference. 

As a Jewish tax collector, Levi would have been considered a traitor and unworthy to be chosen to follow Jesus by many Jews.

*3) Matthew means “Yahweh’s gift*

Once Levi accepts the call to follow Jesus, he is known as only Matthew,

Matthew means “Yahweh’s gift.”

For this reason, most believe *Matthew* was Levi’s Christian name.

*4) Change of Name and Change of the Person*

When God made covenant with Abraham, He changed his name from Abram to Abraham

Jesus also change the name of Simon to Peter, which means Rock 

Here we see Levi becomes Matthew which means *“Yahweh’s gift*

Change of name is also reflected in the change of the persons 

Abraham, Peter and Matthew had new perspectives after they had divine encounter

*5) Matthew as “Yahweh’s gift*

After Matthew replied to the call of Jesus, Matthew really became  *“Yahweh’s gift* to every one 

He became gift to himself because he got a opportunity to change his life, to have encounter with Jesus, became one among 12 apostles and became great writer. This is really a  “Yahweh’s gift" to Himself 

Secondly He became Yahweh’s gift" in the hands of Jesus. He become one of the powerful Evangelists who communicated the Good news of Jesus to the entire world 

Thirdly Matthew became "Yahweh’s gift" to us. Because of the great treasure that is the Gospel written by him, which is a divine treasure for us 

Finally he is *Yahweh’s gift"* to the entire universe and to the human kind. The Gospel which he wrote will remain for ever and many will inspire from it 

That is the power of "Yahweh’s gift"

*6) "Yahweh’s gift" is always best*

God gives us best gift. Matthew was given best gift which has eternal value 

We treasure this gift everyday when we read the Gospel

Like Matthew, Jesus also gives us the best gift to build the Kingdom of Heaven, here on earth.

Am I using the God given gifts for the greater glory of Jesus? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*