Following Jesus Christ

 Reflection on Today's Reading and the Feast of St. Matthew, September 21st, 2020

Texts: Eph. 4:1-7.11-13; Ps. 19:2-5; Matt. 9:9-13

The feast of St. Matthew is a celebration of hope. It is a celebration of hope because it reminds us of a man hated and rejected by his people, but loved and counted worthy by God to work for him. It assures us that no matter our situation now, it is not over with us; God still loves us and he is calling us, saying "follow me." 

St. Matthew was a tax collector. Pazhayampallil says of the structure of tax collection thus: "Rome followed the method of collecting taxes in contract. One who had taken the job in contract could exact whatever amount he liked provided he gave a certain fixed amount to the government. The one who took it on contract, usually a high official, entrusted the job to a number of chief collectors who in turn engaged a number of agents to collect money." St. Matthew was an agent of a chief tax collector. He was hated and rejected because he collected taxes to run the government they did not want. To the Jews he was an ignoble man, but God loved him. Jesus called him without considering whether his past might affect the people's acceptance of his message. This show us that one's past means nothing to God. Once we answer the call of God, the past is forgotten.

The prompt response of St. Matthew shows that he had in him already the yearning for God.  Some people we see as sinners are yearning for God, and only need the words of God to be spoken to them. Who should do it if not you and I! We need to speak the words to them; let us be ready to preach the gospel of Christ everywhere. St. Matthew did not just speak the words, but also put down the gospel for generations yet to come; in the gospel he put down he continues to preach the gospel to generations yet unborn.

St. Matthew was a man rejected by men, but later became an instrument to God.

St. Matthew gave an immediate response to God. God said, "Follow me." St. Bede says, "'Follow' meant 'imitate' - not by the movement of his feet, but rather by a change of life. For whoever says he is following Christ ought himself to walk as Christ walked". Following Jesus Christ means walking in his ways.

Today's first reading reminds us that we are all responsible for the building up of his body, the Church. We are all called to to build the kingdom of God on earth. St. Matthew, as an apostle, preached the gospel, formed church and presided over it. He is also left for us a written gospel in which he continues to speak to us. We are to use our gifts, talent, time, etc to build the body of Jesus Christ, the Church. We are to ensure that we work for the unity, growth and development of our society.

Lord our God, help us to respond generously to your call. Amen.

Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke