• September 21, 2026, Today’s Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET
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Friends of the Rosary,
Today, September 21, we celebrate the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.
As the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament, the apostle emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and tries to convince the Jews that their anticipated Messiah had come in the person of Jesus.
Matthew was a publican, that is, a tax-collector for the Romans. His profession was hateful to the Jews because it reminded them of their subjection while robbing his own people and making a large personal profit.
In addition, the Pharisees saw him as a typical sinner. Publicans were not allowed to trade, eat, or even pray with other Jews.
One day, while seated at his table of books and money, Jesus looked at Matthew and said two words: “Follow me.” That was all it took to make Matthew rise, leave his pieces of silver, and follow Christ.
His original name, “Levi,” in Hebrew signifies “Adhesion,” while his new name in Christ, Matthew, means “Gift of God.”
The other notable mention of Matthew in the Gospels is the dinner party for Christ and His companions, to which he invited his fellow tax collectors. The Jews were surprised to see Jesus with a publican, but Jesus explained that he had come “not to call the just, but sinners.”
In the traditional symbolization of the evangelists, based on Ezech. 1:5-10 and Rev. 4:6-7, the image of the winged man is accorded to Matthew as his Gospel begins with the human genealogy of Christ.
Ave Maria!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Please give us the grace to respond with joy!
+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
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