Sept 21 is the feast day of Matthew one of Christ’s apostles and author of the Gospel that bears his name. He was different from the other Gospel writers being a tax collector. (Luke a doctor and Mark a recorder). He was least likely to become one of Jesus’ own. We will look at him through a painting.
The painting Caravaggio’s “Calling of Saint Matthew” captures a powerful moment of spiritual awakening painted 1599-1600. Set in a gritty, realistic environment (looks like a back room to a bar where other tax collectors, armed are counting money), Christ points to Matthew, a tax collector, inviting him to follow – you’re coming with me! This isn’t Christ coming down from heaven!
Tax collectors, also known as “publicans,” were held in low regard within Jewish society during Jesus’ time. They were often seen as collaborators with the Roman oppressors who occupied the land of Judea. The tax collection system, fraught with potential abuse, allowed collectors to gather more than the prescribed amount, pocketing the surplus for themselves. This encouraged extortion and corruption, leading to the accumulation of wealth through dishonest means.
Here is a video about the painting
Article about Matthew on our website