St. Matthew

Did you know that St. Matthew is the patron saint of the unpopular? I vaguely remember hearing that in my growing up years but hadn’t thought of it until I read it when looking for ideas for this blog post. Remember, Matthew was a tax collector before he became an apostle of Jesus. So, not only is he the patron saint of the unpopular but of those who work with money such as bakers, financial planners and tax agents. I am sure you have figured out where the unpopular comes in. When you think of tax collectors or the IRS we are necessarily happy to have to deal with the, thus they are unpopular with most people. Anyone for that fact who do make a living doing something most people don’t like are unpopular.

If you aren’t very sure on what a patron saint is a particular is a saint who is a good example for someone to follow. Knowing about this particular saint’s life can help show us how to live out our Catholic Christian faith at work, in school or at home.

When Matthew met Jesus he decided that Jesus’ message and mission here on earth were more important than collecting money from those who had next to nothing. He left his job and everything he held dear to work with Jesus. September 21st is his feast day and that may be a good day for us to ponder about the things and the people who we think are important. What do you value most in your life? Is there anything you value that could be left behind? Sometimes our treasures multiply faster when we give them away as I am sure Matthew discovered when her repaid those he had taken money from and lived the life that Jesus wants us all to follow.

To celebrate St. Matthew’s feast day you could give your family and/or friends chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. Or as an old custom at harvest time goes use gold or silver paint or foil to cover walnuts/almonds to share with people.
(Take Me Home, LTP, 1991)