Today, September 21, is the feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle.
Matthew was the son of Alphaeus. He lived at Capernaum on Lake Genesareth. He was a tax collector, someone who was corrupt, greedy, and dishonest.
Worse for Matthew’s image, he was a Galilean son of the tribe of Levi, in those times he was probably seen as sympathetic to the occupying Romans. Jesus’ contemporaries were surprised to see the Christ with a traitor.
“While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” – Matthew 9:10-13