FROM A SINNER TO A FOLLOWER - 9/21/22 (Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist)

Matthew 9:9

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/092122.cfm

Blessed Feast of Saint Matthew! We see God's glory in His every creation. The Sun reminds us of the light of Christ and how we are dependent on Him for us to be guided in this world full of darkness. The water reminds us of the fountain of eternal life and the water of Baptism. The wind reminds us of the Holy Spirit who inspires us to go wherever He wills. At the same time, we can see God's glory in the lives of people, especially St. Matthew. In the gospel reading, St. Matthew immediately followed Jesus after he was called. In the life of St. Matthew,  there are at least two ways in which he followed our Lord Jesus Christ. 

First, he followed Jesus by turning away from sins. St. Matthew was a tax collector at first who was corrupt. He was stealing money from his fellow Jews which was the reason why the Jews did not like their tax collectors. But, his life was changed when Jesus looked at him even when he was far. In the same way, even if we have been far spiritually from the presence of God, let's be reminded that He always look at us with gentleness and mercy. Like St. Matthew, Hr is telling us with the same words, "Follow Me." Jesus is our Divine Physician. When He looked at St. Matthew, although He knew his brokenness and weaknesses, He still desired his salvation. We see the fullness of the glory of Christ in the Holy Mass where Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist with His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. And yet, some of us may not be attending this Mass anymore. Or, some people may be aware of their grave sins that they have not yet confessed even though they are in the Mass. This is the opportunity for us to show our love for God by turning away from sins, going to the sacrament of confession, and following Him, especially in the Mass. All He desires is what is best for us. 

Second, St. Matthew follower Jesus in his particular vocation. He became one of the 12 apostles of the Lord, and he was also one of the four gospel writers. He did not just do all of this by his own wisdom or perspective, but he simply listened to God's plan for him and accepted it. We all have a unique vocation in life. We are not the same, but with our distinct mission, we all contribute in building up the Kingdom of God. Some of us may be called to married life while others are called to religious life. Some may be called to evangelize and have ministries while others may be called to a more contemplative life. Everyone has different gifts. But, what's important is to use everything that God gives us for His glory. May we discern God's will for us. We can do this by persevering in the purity of our hearts through the sacraments and prayers. And, we should daily examine our conscience to see whether we are following Christ even in our daily lives. When it comes to decisions, let's consult God first and open it to Him. We may also consider if we have the inspiration to seek help from our parish for a spiritual director. The life of St. Matthew from a sinner to a follower of Christ shows us God's mercy. By the prayers of St. Matthew, may we  be firm in following Christ and in being faithful in our service to Him. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Amazing Testimony on Rosary:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=FFyRwJBExMk