Word to the Wise
Tuesday, September 21, 2010 - St. Matthew - apostle and evangelist
[Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13 and Matthew 9:9-13]But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ.......
It looks like Matthew (a/k/a "Levi") managed to share in a couple of the categories of ministry. He is traditionally regarded as the evangelist who authored the gospel that bears his name. When tax collectors become evangelists and apostles, we know that God's grace has to be active! (There ARE times when a pastor begins to think that the "successor to the apostles," otherwise known as the bishop of the diocese, has become a tax collector when the latest parish assessment comes due!) The story of Matthew's call is not as dramatic as the one Peter, James and John receive - that big catch of fish! Matthew's tax receipts don't suddenly double! Jesus simply looks at him and says, "Follow me!" Not only that, Matthew invites Jesus to dinner and serves as "Exhibit A" for Jesus' response to the criticism of the Pharisees about eating and drinking with "sinners and tax collectors!" Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. It is very important that anyone who is a "successor" to the apostles or to the role of a prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher or any other ministry to remember where he or she has come from. We are all "tax collectors and sinners" - "sick people" in need of the physician! It is also important that we remember we are not the only ones to whom the grace of Christ has been given! If anything, the role of one who is called to ministry is to look for that grace in each person and enable it to build up the Body of Christ! AMEN