The Call of Saint Matthew: From Tax Collector to Apostle (21 September)

About this sermon

“Follow Me.” With that simple command—and the transforming gaze of Jesus Christ—a corrupt tax collector became an Apostle, Evangelist, missionary, and martyr. On the feast of St. Matthew, the Church presents one of the Gospel’s most powerful conversion stories. Tax collectors were despised because they collected money for the occupying Roman authorities while frequently enriching themselves at the expense of ordinary people. Matthew belonged to a profession associated with greed, betrayal, and legalized corruption. Yet Christ approached this sinful but earnest man and called him personally. Matthew responded, left his former life, and followed the Lord. The man who had once taken from others was entrusted with caring for Christ’s flock. He was commanded to preach the Gospel to the nations, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, write the inspired Word of God, and give the ultimate testimony by shedding his blood for Christ. In St. Matthew, we see the heart of every Christian vocation. The Lord has said “Follow Me” to each of us. Some have already responded through priesthood, religious life, marriage, or faithful service in the world. Others are still listening and discerning how God is calling them to serve Him and His Church. Whatever our vocation, the goal remains the same: to focus upon Christ, undergo daily conversion, grow in holiness, serve God in this life, and remain with Him forever in the next. St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, pray for us! 00:00 The feast of St. Matthew 00:21 Why this is a favorite feast 00:29 The powerful calling of Matthew 00:36 Why tax collectors were despised 00:45 Serving Rome and enriching themselves 01:02 A sinful but earnest man 01:11 The transforming gaze and call of Christ 01:19 From tax collector to Apostle and Evangelist 01:29 Entrusted with caring for Christ’s flock 01:36 Sent to baptize the nations 01:44 Called to write the Word of God 01:52 St. Matthew’s ultimate witness in martyrdom 02:00 The heart of every Christian vocation 02:08 Serving God in our state of life 02:17 Our goal is to become like St. Matthew 02:24 Daily conversion and growth in holiness 02:33 The lesson of the Baltimore Catechism 02:41 Final blessing for St. Matthew’s feast #SaintMatthew #StMatthew #CatholicHomily #FollowMe #CatholicVocation #Conversion #CatholicSaints #Apostle #Evangelist #Discernment #CatholicFaith Please remember to say 3 Hail Marys for the priest 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴