Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Daily Oratory provides Scripture references and original reflections. It does not republish full copyrighted lectionary readings.

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist September 21, 2026

Readings: Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–13 • Psalm 19:2–5 • Matthew 9:9–13

Sacred Encounter

Matthew is sitting at his customs post—the place associated with his wealth, reputation, compromises, and sins. Jesus does not wait for Matthew to become respectable. He approaches him precisely there, looks upon him with mercy, and says:

“Follow me.”

Matthew rises immediately. He leaves behind the identity his past had given him and begins becoming the person Christ always knew he could be.

Jesus then sits at Matthew’s table with tax collectors and sinners. The Pharisees see scandal; Jesus sees patients who need a physician. He has not come to reward those who consider themselves perfect, but to heal those humble enough to admit their need.

The Movement of the Gospel

The call of Matthew reveals three movements of grace:

Jesus sees us. His gaze penetrates beyond our failures and recognizes the person we were created to become. Jesus calls us. His invitation is not merely to abandon sin but to enter a new life with Him. Jesus sends us. Matthew moves from collecting taxes for an empire to proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Saint Paul reminds us that every Christian has received grace for a particular purpose. Some are called as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers, but every gift is meant to build up the Body of Christ. Our calling is never merely about personal fulfillment; it is given for the good of others and the unity of the Church.

For Prayer Today

Where is my “customs post”—the familiar place, habit, wound, or identity from which Jesus is calling me to rise?

Christ is not repelled by my weakness. He comes toward it as the Divine Physician. I do not have to heal myself before approaching Him. I need only acknowledge my need, receive His mercy, and follow.

Concrete Response

Today, show mercy to someone whom you might ordinarily judge, avoid, or dismiss. Ask Jesus to help you see that person as He saw Matthew—not merely as they are now, but as someone grace can transform.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You saw Matthew at his customs post and called him into a new life.

Look upon me with that same merciful gaze. Give me the courage to rise from everything that keeps me from following You.

Heal what is wounded, forgive what is sinful, and use the gifts You have given me to build up Your Church.

Teach me to desire mercy rather than appearances and to welcome those who need Your healing. Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for me that I may follow Christ promptly and proclaim His mercy faithfully.

Amen.