The Call of Matthew – and Our Call

Sep 18

This Saturday, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, and we are presented with the Gospel story of the call of the apostle and evangelist (Matthew 9:9-13). One of the most famous depictions of this event is a painting by the renowned Italian Baroque artist, Caravaggio (1571-1610).

Caravaggio's image depicts the encounter between Jesus and a tax collector named Matthew. In the scene, Jesus points to the man who was devoted to money and power, to leave it all behind and follow him. The tax collector points to himself, wondering if he is indeed the one Jesus is calling. He seems surprised that the wonder-working rabbi would know him, accept him, and invite him into his group of followers.

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

— Matthew 9:13)

Jesus went to Matthew's home and sat at table with many other tax collectors and sinners. When questioned by the Pharisees for dining with known traitors and troublemakers, Jesus responds: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners" (Matthew 9:13).

This story (and painting) reminds me of the guidance St. Francis de Sales would give to Christians struggling with their own sins and troubles. St. Francis knew that growth in holiness would take time. While we may not be able to love God perfectly and completely until we get to heaven, we can certainly strive to love and serve him each day. The gentle Bishop of Geneva (and his contemporary, Caravaggio) show us that Jesus is always pointing to us. Jesus is constantly calling us and inviting us to grow in our faith and in our relationship with one another.

Francis knew that the Lord looks at each of us as intimately as he did to Matthew. Jesus knows our strengths and our struggles. Rather than being overwhelmed by our shortcomings and sins, Francis encourages us to see God’s gentleness and patience. In the Introduction to the Devout Life (Part III), St. Francis wrote: “The proud man who trusts in himself may well undertake nothing, but the humble man is all the braver that he knows his own helplessness, and his courage waxes in proportion to his low opinion of himself, because all his trust is in God, who delights to show forth His Power in our weakness, His mercy in our misery.”

As we celebrate the call of St. Matthew, may we recognize that the Lord calls us, too. Jesus points to us today, with our own sins and problems, and invites us to follow him. Do not be surprised. Be ready to come to the table and share life with the Lord.