Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, was also known by the name Levi. However, in the lists of the Apostles, he is always called "Matthew".
He collected taxes for the Roman government at Capernaum. The Romans permitted the tax collectors to take an extra amount for their own pockets, and this made the tax collectors very unpopular. When Jesus called Matthew as one of his disciples, Matthew immediately left his profession to follow Jesus. Jesus said, "Follow me," and without hesitation, Matthew "arose and followed him".
St. Matthew is the patron saint of tax collectors, accountants, other people who handle money.Since the second century, the authorship of the first Synoptic Gospel has been attributed to St. Matthew.
The Bible does not tell us about the end of Matthew's life, but according to Church Tradition he was martyred. In the liturgical calendars of many Christians, he is commemorated on September 21. Matthew's symbol is a winged man or angelic being. The symbols for the other three evangelists are the lion for St. Mark, the ox for St. Luke, and the eagle for St. John.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, you called Matthew from collecting taxes to become your apostle and evangelist: Grant us the grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, that we may follow you as he did and proclaim to the world around us the good news of your salvation: for with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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