Feast of Saint Matthew, apostle – Eph 4:1-7,11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Matthew 9:9-13

I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.

It seems a matter of chance. But for God . . .

A superficial look at others reveals one side of the coin – the one visible at first glance. However, the other side remains hidden and therefore mysterious and inscrutable. God, who knows the secrets of the people, can read the human heart and transform it with the power of His love.

Someone said that there are no coincidences in life – only divine providence. We see such a situation in the case of the tax collector Matthew, a corrupt man who was called by Jesus to a new mission in a short and specific words: “Follow me.”

Jesus shows that the key to the human heart is love. It causes a spiritual transformation to take place in a person: previously important matters suddenly cease to matter. The perspective of life changes because a completely new, divine scenario is being realized.

“Lord Jesus, our Savior, let us now come to you: Our hearts are cold; Lord, warm them with your selfless love. Our hearts are sinful; cleanse them with your precious blood. Our hearts are weak; strengthen them with your joyous Spirit. Our hearts are empty; fill them with your divine presence. Lord Jesus, our hearts are yours; possess them always and only for yourself.” (Prayer of Augustine, 354-430)