The feast day of St. Matthew is observed annually on September 21st, marking the liturgical celebration of the apostle and evangelist who authored the first Gospel. This date serves as a key moment in the Catholic and Anglican calendars, inviting the faithful to reflect on his transformation from a tax collector to a devoted disciple. The commemoration underscores the universal scope of the Gospel message, delivered by a man once considered an outsider by his contemporaries.
Historical Background and Biblical Account
Before his calling, Matthew was known as Levi, a tax collector working for the Roman Empire. This profession rendered him deeply unpopular among his fellow Jews, as it involved collaboration with an occupying force and often included dishonest profit. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke record the pivotal moment when Jesus simply said, "Follow me," and Levi immediately left his booth to become one of the twelve apostles. This act of immediate discipleship highlights the radical nature of God's grace, reaching across social and economic boundaries to find willing hearts.
The Significance of the Feast
On the feast day of St. Matthew, the Church primarily draws attention to his authorship of the Gospel that bears his name. His account is notably structured around Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, emphasizing the continuity between the Hebrew scriptures and the New Covenant. The feast serves as a reminder that the Good News was not delivered in a vacuum but within a specific historical and cultural context, validating the ancient hopes of Israel while inaugurating a new era of salvation.
Symbolism and Tradition
Visual representations of St. Matthew often feature an angel or a winged man, symbolizing his Gospel's emphasis on Christ's humanity and divine origins. Tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Judea before traveling to Ethiopia and later Macedonia, where he met his martyrdom. These narratives, while not always verifiable historically, contribute to the rich tapestry of the saints' lives that inspire devotion and perseverance in the faith.
Liturgical Practices and Customs
In liturgical churches, the color green is worn during Mass on this day, signifying hope and the ordinary time of growth in the Christian life. The readings typically include the account of Matthew’s calling from the Gospel, paired with a passage from his written text. The prayers of the Mass often focus on the intercession of the saint, asking for the courage to leave behind personal attachments and to follow Christ without delay.
Modern Relevance and Reflection
In the contemporary world, the feast day of St. Matthew offers a powerful counter-cultural message. It challenges individuals to examine their own "booths"—the places of security and profit they cling to—and consider the cost of discipleship. His story reassures those who feel marginalized or unwelcome that divine invitation is not contingent on societal status or past mistakes. The apostle’s journey from collector of taxes to herald of the Kingdom serves as an enduring testament to the transformative power of encounter with Jesus.
Global Observance and Calendar Context
While September 21st is the fixed date in the General Roman Calendar, some Eastern Catholic Churches and Orthodox traditions may observe his commemoration on different days according to their liturgical calendars. In years when September 21st falls on a Sunday, the observance may be adjusted according to the rules governing the liturgical year. This flexibility ensures that the solemnity of such a significant saint is honored with the appropriate level of reverence within the rhythm of the Church's prayer.
