Feast of St Matthew: Reflection by Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
Theme: FOLLOW CHRIST AND LEAVE EVERY OTHER THING
(Matthew 9:9–13)
Today we celebrate an evangelist, Matthew. He is also known as Levi. He was called by the Lord Jesus Christ and made a disciple. The Gospel of today according to this same Matthew records the immediate response of Matthew.
Jesus saw him sitting at the tax office, He called him. Immediately Matthew rose and followed him. He left his former office, to take up the office Christ assigned to him. He left his old ways to follow the new way. He abandoned what made him abandon Christ and embraced the One he cannot afford to lose.
It is very interesting how fast Matthew answered the call of Christ. Could it be that he had been waiting for this call all along? Could it be that he was already tired of exploiting people? He must have been worried about the bad name he is associated with based on his work. He rose.
Dear child of God, you need to rise from that sinful seat. You don’t have to delay to answer the call of God. Leave your old sinful ways behind. Don’t enjoy the comfort of that evil company. Don’t feel happy in that fraudulent business. Leave that place, job, activity or commitment that doesn’t give glory to God. Following Christ and His ways opens up good opportunities that gives you joy and fulfilment here on earth and eternal happiness in heaven.
St Matthew is remembered and celebrated today because of what he was able to leave. What have you left to follow Christ? Never offer the Lord a sacrifice that costs you nothing. God in Christ gave us His all. Let us leave all to follow Christ. It is something no one will ever regret doing.
LET US PRAY
Thank You Lord for the gift of today. We pray through the intercession of St Matthew that we may willingly leave our evil ways to follow Jesus Christ. Deliver us from spiritual laziness and comfort in evil. May our hearts find no rest till they rest in you. May we use our wisdom, intelligence, positions and talents to live lives worthy of our calling as children of God through Christ our Lord. Amen
St Matthew the Evangelist, pray for us.
God bless your Tuesday.
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh