- 21 September, 2026
September 21, 2026: Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist is remembered by the Catholic Church on September 21. His remarkable journey from a tax collector in Capernaum to one of the Twelve Apostles is a powerful testimony to the transforming mercy of Jesus Christ. His life reminds Christians that no past or profession places a person beyond God's call.
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Feast Day: September 21
Title: Apostle and Evangelist
Also Known As: Matthew and Levi
Known For: Being called by Jesus from the tax office and becoming one of the Twelve Apostles
Gospel: Traditionally associated with the Gospel according to Matthew
Symbol: Winged man or angel
Patron: Bankers, accountants and bill collectors
Before meeting Jesus, Matthew worked as a tax collector at Capernaum. Tax collectors were often viewed with suspicion and contempt by their fellow Jews because they worked within the Roman taxation system.
The Gospel of Matthew describes the decisive moment when Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the customs post and simply said, “Follow me.” Matthew immediately got up and followed Him.
This simple response became the turning point of his life. Matthew left behind his former way of life and became a disciple of Christ.
After his calling, Matthew held a meal at his home where Jesus ate with tax collectors and others who were regarded as sinners. The presence of these people caused criticism from the scribes and Pharisees.
Jesus responded by explaining that those who are sick need a physician and that He had come to call sinners. The episode reveals a central message of the Gospel: God's mercy reaches people who are willing to respond to His call.
Matthew's own life became an example of this transformation—from a socially rejected tax collector to a close companion of Jesus and a messenger of the Gospel.
Matthew was chosen among the Twelve Apostles and followed Jesus during His earthly ministry. He was present among the disciples after the Resurrection and is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles among those gathered in Jerusalem.
The New Testament does not provide extensive information about Matthew's later life. Ancient Christian writers associated him with preaching the Gospel among Jewish communities and later missionary activity, but accounts of his final years vary considerably.
Christian tradition has long associated Saint Matthew with the Gospel that bears his name. Vatican sources describe the Gospel as particularly attentive to the relationship between Jesus and the promises of the Old Testament, presenting Christ as the Messiah who fulfils those promises.
Through this Gospel, Matthew's witness continues to speak to Christians around the world.
Saint Matthew's story is a reminder that Jesus can call people from unexpected circumstances to a life of faith and service.
His journey teaches Christians to respond generously when God calls, to leave behind what prevents spiritual growth and to extend mercy towards others.
Matthew's transformation also offers hope: a person's past does not have to determine their future when they encounter Christ.
Saint Matthew remains an inspiring example of conversion, discipleship and evangelisation. His immediate response to Jesus challenges believers to listen carefully when God calls them towards a new purpose.
His life also reminds Catholics that the Church is built through people who are willing to change, follow Christ and share the Gospel with others.
To know about more saints and Catholic feast days, please visit the spiritual section.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Relevant Keywords: Saint Matthew the Apostle, Saint Matthew feast day, September 21 saints, Matthew Evangelist, Saint Matthew Gospel, Matthew and Levi, Twelve Apostles, Catholic
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