Saint of the Day: St. Matthew | September 21

By SIDTP SoCom

Published on September 21, 2024

St. Matthew, also known as St. Matthew the Evangelist, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is traditionally credited with authoring the Gospel of Matthew. He is an important figure in the Christian tradition due to his role in spreading the teachings of Jesus and his contribution to the New Testament.

Matthew was a tax collector before he followed Jesus. His profession as a tax collector, which was often viewed with suspicion and contempt, made his call by Jesus particularly noteworthy. According to the New Testament, Jesus saw Matthew while he was at his tax booth and called him to become a disciple. Matthew immediately left his work and followed Jesus, marking a significant turning point in his life.

Matthew’s Gospel is one of the four Gospels in the New Testament and provides a detailed account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is especially known for including the Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes, which are central to Christian teaching. His Gospel is often appreciated for its emphasis on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, reflecting Matthew’s deep understanding of Jewish law and prophecy.

Tradition holds that Matthew continued his missionary work after Jesus’ resurrection, spreading the message of Christianity to various regions. His later life and missionary activities are less well-documented, but he is believed to have traveled and preached in areas such as Persia (modern-day Iran) and Ethiopia.

St. Matthew is venerated as a saint in both the Western and Eastern Christian traditions, with his feast day celebrated on September 21st. He is also considered the patron saint of accountants, bankers, and tax collectors, reflecting his former profession.

 

Sources:

1. Butler, Alban. The Lives of the Saints. Benziger Brothers, 1956.

2. Farmer, David Hugh, ed. The Oxford Dictionary of Saints. Oxford University Press, 2003.