Feast Day: September 21
Patronage: Accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, customs officers, and tax collectors.
Biography:
Saint Matthew, also called Levi, was a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Jesus to become one of the Twelve Apostles. He left behind his profession immediately to follow Christ, showing the power of conversion and trust in God’s call.
Matthew is traditionally regarded as the author of the Gospel according to Matthew, written to proclaim Jesus as the promised Messiah and to encourage the early Christian community. His writings emphasize Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and highlight the Beatitudes and the teachings of Christ.
He later preached the Gospel in various regions, and though details of his martyrdom differ, tradition holds that he gave his life for the faith.
Prayer:
O Saint Matthew, you left everything to follow Jesus. Help us to detach from worldly attachments and to follow Christ with generous hearts. Pray for all who work with money, that they may act with honesty and integrity. Amen.
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