A Note From Father Rob

Tomorrow, September 21, is a special day on our church calendar. It is the day we remember the discipleship and works of St. Matthew. No, not the golf pro at Willow Point, who single-handedly saved my golf game, though I do think of him as a saint. I am talking about the St. Matthew of the first century, the Apostle of our Lord.

Matthew, also known as Levi, was an early disciple who was called to follow Jesus while he was working at his job as a Roman tax collector, or a “receipt of customs” officer. Jesus was passing by Matthew’s booth in Capernaum when he said to him, “Follow me.” Like his fisherman counterparts, James, John, Peter and Andrew, Matthew did just that as he too dropped everything, walked away from his job and responsibilities and immediately began to follow Jesus as one of his disciples. Matthew’s gospel is rich with themes of faith and eternal life, as well as duty to our families, friends, neighbors and even our enemies.

After a long ministry in Judea, Matthew set out to spread the gospel in other regions of the Middle East. Though some believe he traveled toward the East, there is strong tradition supporting Matthew turning West and making his way to Ethiopia and the churches of North Africa. The church venerates Matthew as a martyr, although nothing definitive is known about his death; neither the circumstances, the date or the location. What we do know is that he, like the other disciples, gave up much to serve his Lord.

I pray for all disciples of our Lord who give themselves daily to the holy work of God. Peace my friends, Rob+