Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

When Jesus calls Matthew, the tax collector leaves his custom post behind and follows without question. This call and answer is a model of how we should respond to God’s invitations in our own lives. God constantly gives us opportunities to follow Him and it is up to us to listen for His call and to respond to it when it comes time to do so. What a humbling experience it is to be called by Jesus and know within our hearts that God wants us to be at His side in this life as well as the next.

Are we listening for God’s call? Are we willing to leave everything behind to know, love, and serve God and His children? Do we realize the things of this world will pass away, but the love of God for us will never waiver?

O Lord, may we listen for your call and follow.

Amen.