Saint Matthew

St Matthew History

The Observance of Saint Matthew is a Christian celebration in honour of one of the twelve apostles named Matthew, who is also recognised as the author of the Gospel of Matthew in the New Testament. This religious event provides an opportunity for devotees to pay tribute to Saint Matthew's work as an apostle, tax collector, and evangelist. The day is observed through church services, prayers, and reading passages from the Bible, particularly focusing on the writings of Saint Matthew himself.

Saint Matthew, originally known as Levi, was a tax collector in the city of Capernaum when Jesus called upon him to become one of his apostles. According to tradition, Matthew left everything behind at the tax office to follow Jesus and eventually authored the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel has been a significant source of guidance and inspiration for many Christians throughout the world, including Australia, where Christianity has been the major religion for generations. Saint Matthew's story carries the message that encourages individuals to follow their faith and be devoted to their beliefs, regardless of their previous occupation or social standing.

In Australia, the Observance of Saint Matthew is celebrated by various Christian denominations, predominantly Catholics, Anglicans, and the Eastern Orthodox Churches. For many Australians, the day provides a chance to reflect on how they can apply Saint Matthew's teachings to their lives through prayer, attending mass, or engaging in acts of service. The Observance of Saint Matthew occurs annually on the 21st of September, inviting faithful followers across the nation to honour his life, teachings, and significant contributions to Christianity.

Saint Matthew facts

• Once Matthew begins to follow Jesus, he holds a dinner for other tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10). The Pharisees, the strict Jewish law abiders that were leaders in the community, complained about Jesus, a teacher eating with sinners. Jesus said, "For I have come to call the not the righteous but the sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
• Early church writers claim that after Jesus' death and resurrection that Matthew preached Christianity in Persia, Macedonia, and Syria.
• St. Matthew is the patron saint of accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and public officials in Australia, just like in many other countries.
• Australian Catholics read and study St. Matthew's Gospel. This book is the first of the three synoptic gospels in the New Testament and contains many important teachings and stories of Jesus Christ, including the Sermon on the Mount and the Great Commission.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in Australia for St Matthew

• Because of his background as a tax collector, Matthew is the patron saint of bankers and accountants. His feast day would be a good time to audit your books if you are a business owner or re-establish a family budget.
• Matthew was a tax collector, which was one of the most reviled professions in Judaism at the time of Christ. People looked down on tax collectors, but even so Jesus ate with them. Spend the day honoring St. Matthew getting to know somebody who is looked down upon in our society.
• Prepare a meal featuring foods from the Mediterranean or the Middle East to pay homage to the regional origins of St. Matthew.
• Take time for personal reflection and prayer, focusing on the themes of St. Matthew's teachings, such as forgiveness, humility, and acts of mercy.