The Feast of St. Matthew

Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.

And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Today we celebrate St. Matthew the Apostle. Before St. Matthew was an apostle he was a tax collector, which is probably why he is the patron saint of bookkeepers, accountants and all financial professionals. St. Matthew was also an evangelist to whom one of the Gospels is attributed.

Ideas for celebrating St. Matthew's Feast Day:

• Make piggy banks

• Eat chocolate coins
  

• Do something for the needy: money for missions, donations of clothing, toys or food

• Take time to read St. Matthew's Gospel.

• Discuss St. Matthew's call from Christ with your family

• Pray for people who work for financial institutions