Feast: September 21
Symbols: Angel or Winged Man, Gospel Book, Money Bag (alluding to his conversion from tax collector)
Early Life and Conversion
Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was born in Galilee. Before following Our Lord, he worked as a publican, a tax collector under the Roman authorities. This profession was despised by the Jews, both for its association with Gentile oppressors and for the frequent dishonesty practiced by tax gatherers.
It was while seated at his tax office that Matthew received the Divine call. The Gospel records the moment with disarming simplicity: “And Jesus saw a man sitting in the custom house, named Matthew, and He said to him: Follow Me. And he rose up and followed Him” (Matt. 9:9).
Thus the tax collector became an Apostle — leaving behind worldly gain for the treasure of Heaven. Tradition sees in his prompt obedience a model of detachment and readiness to follow Christ.
As an Apostle and Evangelist
Saint Matthew was among the Twelve chosen by Christ, a witness of His miracles, Passion, and Resurrection. After the Ascension, he was present in the Cenacle awaiting the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.
Out of humility, when composing his Gospel, he refers to himself as “Matthew the publican.” He was the first to set down in writing the teaching of Christ, for the sake of the early converts of Palestine. His Gospel, written in Aramaic (later translated into Greek), is distinguished by its emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, showing Jesus as the promised Messiah and King.
Because his Gospel begins with the genealogy of Christ, highlighting His human nature, the Fathers of the Church assigned to Matthew the symbol of the Winged Man, one of the four living creatures of Ezekiel’s vision and of the Apocalypse.
Missionary Labors and Martyrdom
According to ancient tradition, Saint Matthew preached first to his own countrymen in Judea, and afterwards carried the Gospel to distant lands. Writers such as Saint Clement of Alexandria, Saint Ambrose, and Saint Isidore relate that he labored in Ethiopia, Persia, and Parthia, though exact details vary.
The most widely held tradition states that Saint Matthew was martyred while celebrating the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Having denounced the marriage of the local king to his niece as unlawful, he was slain at the altar — a fitting witness to the Gospel he proclaimed. His relics are venerated at the Cathedral of Salerno in Italy, where they were translated in the 10th century.
Veneration and Legacy
The Church honors Saint Matthew both as an Apostle and Evangelist. His conversion from publican to Apostle has always been an encouragement to sinners, showing the boundless mercy of Christ.
The Roman Martyrology commemorates him with these words: “At Salerno, the birthday of the blessed Apostle Matthew, who, in Judea, after having written the Gospel of Christ, preached it in Ethiopia; and there, being slain with a sword, received the crown of martyrdom.”
Devotional Reflection
Saint Matthew teaches us that no past sin is an obstacle to God’s call. His instant obedience and complete detachment are an example of true conversion. His Gospel exhorts us to live according to the Beatitudes, seeking first the Kingdom of Heaven.
Prayer:
O Glorious Saint Matthew, who, forsaking the world to follow Christ, merited to be chosen as one of His Apostles and inspired Evangelist: obtain for us grace to despise earthly goods, to be faithful to our vocation, and to persevere to the end in following Jesus, our Lord and King. Amen.