Saint Matthew

Sermon preached on September 21, 2006
September 21, Saint Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist:
Proverbs 3:1-6, Psalm 119:33-40,2 Timothy 3:14-17, Matthew 9:9-13

The name Matthew means "gift of God". If we look at the call of Matthew as told in the Gospels we find some interesting details. Luke and Mark both call Matthew by the name Levi. Luke and Mark also inform us that the dinner that Jesus went to after calling Matthew wasn't just at any house (Perhaps Matthew is being humble in his account of the call), it was at Matthew's own home. Luke goes on to desribe this as not merely a dinner, but as a great feast!

Saint Paul reminds us that God has given us all many different gifts. Matthew used the gifts that God gave him to show the love of God in Christ to others. First, he used the money, food, and home that he had to throw a feast for others to be in the presence of Jesus. The worldly gifts that he had were used immediately to bring others closer to Christ. Second, he gave all of us the gift of his Gospel, witnessing to the power of Christ in his life to peopel around the world for 2000 years.

I think we can use the examples seen in the life and witness of Saint Matthew to find ways to use the gifts that God has given each of us to spread the love of God to others.