Monday, September 21, 2020
Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Listen for English
As Jesus comot from there dey go, E see one man wey im name na Matthew, wey siddon for where dem dey collect customs tax. Jesus tell am, “Follow Me.” And Matthew stand up follow Am. Matthew 9:9
St. Matthew na rich and “important” man for im time. As tax collector, plenty Jews no like am. But e show say e be good man as e answer Jesus’ call at once.
We no get plenty details about this story, but we get the details wey matter. We see say Matthew dey work, dey collect tax. We see say Jesus just pass by am and call am. And we see say Matthew stand up at once, leave everything, and follow Jesus. This na really big change of heart and life.
For most people, dem no go answer at once like this. Most people go first need to know Jesus, make E convince dem, talk with their family and friends, think, reason the matter well, before dem decide whether to follow Jesus na good idea. Most people dey spend long time dey reason God’s will before dem answer the call. Na so you dey do?
Every day, God dey call us. Every day, E dey call us to serve Am with our whole life, without holding anything back, for one way or another. And every day, we get chance to answer just as Matthew do. The main thing na to get two qualities wey really matter. First, we must recognize Jesus’ voice clearly, without mistaking am for another voice. With faith, we must know wetin E dey tell us when E dey talk am. Second, we must dey sure say anything wey Jesus call us or move our heart to do really worth am. If we fit develop these two qualities fully, we go fit answer quickly and completely like St. Matthew.
Today, think deeply about how ready you dey to follow this Apostle example. Wetin you dey talk and do when God call you each day? For any area wey you see say you dey fall short, commit yourself again to follow Christ without holding anything back. You no go regret am.
Lord, make I hear You as You dey speak, and make I answer You with all my heart every time. Make I follow You anywhere You lead me. Jesus, na You I trust.
Na tomorrow the Novena to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux – The Little Flower go start
More Reflections on the Gospel
Reflection Dem about God im Mercy
Saint of the Day – Saint Matthew the Evangelist, Apostle, Evangelist
Picture: As Jesus Call St. Matthew, wey Hendrick ter Brugghen paint
