TODAY’S GOSPEL READING FOR 21 SEPTEMBER
September 21, 2026
FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS OF VILLANOVA – 22 SEPTEMBER
September 22, 2026
FROM TAX COLLECTOR TO APOSTLE OF CHRIST – FROM SHAME TO CALLING
“Follow me.”
— Matthew 9:9
Matthew was seated at the tax booth when Jesus called him. Though despised by many because he was a tax collector, Matthew did not allow his past to prevent him from responding to Christ. He immediately left his position and followed Jesus. His calling reminds us that God does not define us by our past but by the person we can become through His grace.
FROM A TAX BOOTH TO THE TABLE OF CHRIST
“While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.”
— Matthew 9:10
Matthew responded to Jesus by opening his home and his heart to Him. He invited other tax collectors and sinners to meet the Lord. His conversion became an opportunity to bring others closer to Christ. True conversion is not merely leaving something behind; it is allowing Christ to transform our lives into a witness for others.
MERCY BEFORE JUDGMENT
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.”
— Matthew 9:12
Jesus defended His decision to associate with sinners and revealed that He came to call those who needed mercy. Matthew himself was living proof of this truth. The mercy he received from Christ became the foundation of his new life. We too are called to look at others with compassion rather than judging them by their weaknesses or past mistakes.
LEAVING EVERYTHING FOR JESUS
“Immediately he got up and followed him.”
— Matthew 9:9
Matthew did not postpone his response to Christ. He left his tax booth and began a completely new journey. His decision teaches us that following Jesus sometimes requires courage to leave behind familiar comforts, attachments and habits. When Christ calls, wholehearted trust opens the way to a transformed life.
FROM RECEIVING MERCY TO PROCLAIMING TRUTH
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.”
— Matthew 28:19
The man who once collected taxes became an apostle entrusted with proclaiming the Gospel. According to ancient Christian tradition, Matthew preached the Good News and eventually gave his life in witness to Christ. His life shows how God can take an ordinary person, transform him through grace and make him an instrument for spreading His Word.
THE GOSPEL WRITTEN WITH FAITH
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew’s transformation from tax collector to apostle is a powerful example of new beginnings. Jesus did not merely change Matthew’s occupation; He changed his heart and gave his life a new purpose. His story assures us that no past is beyond the healing and transforming power of God’s grace.
FAITH THAT BECOMES MISSION
“You will be my witnesses.”
— Acts 1:8
Matthew received the gift of knowing Christ and then became a witness to Him. His discipleship did not end with his personal conversion; it became a mission. Every Christian who encounters Christ is likewise called to carry His love, mercy and truth into the world.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, through the intercession of Saint Matthew, help us to hear Your call as he did and to respond with generous hearts. Free us from the shame of our past and give us the courage to begin anew with Christ. Fill us with Your mercy so that we may show compassion to others, and transform our lives into living witnesses of the Gospel. May we, like Saint Matthew, leave behind whatever keeps us from You and follow Jesus faithfully until the end. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
