We celebrate the feast of St Matthew, Apostle and
Evangelist. He was Jew and wrote his account of the life of Jesus in Hebrew.
Before his conversion, he worked in the tax office, collecting tax for the Roman government. Tax collectors were known to be public sinners because they dubious
in the amount they collected from people. That was why they were rich. Let us meditate
on the mystery of Matthew’s conversion.
“As Jesus passed on, He saw a man called Matthew sitting at
the tax office; and He said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed Him.”
This encounter is like the meeting of light and darkness; love and selfishness.
Matthew was sitting comfortably in his office, making gains out of people for
himself. He used the tax law to trap people and hold them in bondage. The life
and mission of Jesus was in total opposition to that Matthew. As Jesus steps
in, we see immediately that the love in Him is stronger that the selfishness of
Matthew; the freedom He offers is more overflowing than the dishonesty and
bondage the sinner ties around people. As Jesus was going around, His sacrifice
for the salvation of souls gives more joy than any earthly wealth. Thus, His thirst
for the soul of the sinner cancels out every lust for wealth, which tends to
value riches more than human dignity and salvation.
Matthew left behind his secured source of income and
followed Jesus. It was not an easy decision, but it was an immediate and decisive
one. He was overjoyed and welcomed Jesus to his house with party, inviting his
friends to share in his joy. His joy was more than one who recovered from a
terminal sickness, which is a testimony that he got a hidden treasure that
money cannot buy!
As we celebrate St Matthew, we hear once more the invitation
of Jesus, “Follow me.” Sin and temptation might try to make their office in our
hearts. The conversion of the Apostle Matthew testifies that there is no depth
the mercy of God cannot reach. The light of Christ dispels every darkness,
heals every wound, conquers every fear, and ignites our hearts with such joy
that the earthly riches and pleasure cannot give. Then, like Matthew, we gather
around the Eucharistic table in thanksgiving and dine with Jesus. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Wednesday September 21, 2022.
