Saint matthew short biography
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Embracing his new role, he authored a Gospel that tenderly weaves together mercy, truth, and the call to repentance.
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Influence on Faith and Church Tradition
The legacy of Saint Matthew extends beyond his written contributions. His most enduring achievement is the composition of the Gospel of Matthew, which richly details the life, teachings, passion, and resurrection of Christ.
These experiences deepened his faith and inspired him to live a life of devotion, firmly rooted in the truths of the Gospel.
c. Some of his notable contributions include:
- Inspiration for catechesis: His Gospel has long been used to instruct believers in the faith and morals of Christian life.
- Emphasis on the Kingdom of Heaven: His writings elaborate on the values of humility, compassion, and commitment to God’s commandments.
- Role in liturgical readings: The Gospel of Matthew holds a revered place in the cycle of readings during the Mass, continually guiding the faithful towards deeper understanding and love of Christ.
- Calling: He heard Jesus’ call and left everything to follow Him.
- Witness: He witnessed miracles and shared the teachings of Christ with great passion.
- Legacy: His Gospel continues to guide believers, inviting all to a life of sincere conversion and hope.
The Sainthood of Saint Matthew
From tax collector to devoted apostle, follow Saint Matthew's transformational journey paved with divine call, miracles, and unwavering faith.
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His work bridged the Old and New Testaments, offering guidance and insight through simple, yet profound, storytelling.
c. His journey encourages us to seek forgiveness, embrace repentance, and strive for a life filled with the spirit of Christ.
His transformation is a beautiful reminder that no past is too dark to be redeemed by God’s mercy.
This sacred text provides clear guidance and inspiration for Catholics, emphasizing the mercy and love of God and the importance of faith in our daily lives.
Saint Matthew was once a tax collector, living a life set apart by his occupation. He is believed to have ventured to foreign lands around the time of Herod Agrippa I’s persecution in 42 AD.
Some believe he penned his Gospel between 42 AD and the Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, or perhaps even later. His work and example have deeply influenced Catholic theology and liturgical traditions. The Roman Martyrology describes his death as occurring in a territory near present-day Egypt. What business did the supposedly great teacher have associating with such immoral people?
The Pharisees lumped them with “sinners” (see Matthew 9:11-13). The Gospel tells us that many tax collectors and “those known as sinners” came to the dinner. Embracing the call, he became one of the chosen Apostles and dedicated his life to spreading the Good News. His transformation illustrates the truth that every sinner, when open to Jesus' calling, can be reborn in faith.
This divine invitation marked a turning point in his life, opening his heart fully to God’s mercy and love.
c. Although relatively little is known about the life of St. Matthew, the account he wrote of Christ's ministry – traditionally considered to be the first of the four Gospels - is of inestimable value to the Church, particularly in its verification of Jesus as the Messiah.
Once known as a tax collector, he was often seen as a symbol of sin and greed. The meeting of the two was dramatic, as Matthew's third-person account in his Gospel captured: “As Jesus passed on,” the ninth chapter recounts, “he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. Leaving behind his former life, he embraced a path of faith and humble service.