On the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Sept. 21), Fr. Jerome Leckband reminded us that Matthew’s story is not one of a flawless saint but of a sinner called by Christ. Sitting at his tax booth, Matthew heard Jesus’ words, “Follow me,”—words that are spoken to every sinner, including us.
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy full of sinners, showing how God works through the broken to fulfill His promises. It also proclaims Jesus as Immanuel—God with us, a promise repeated at the Gospel’s end: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Fr. Leckband reflected on Caravaggio’s painting The Calling of Saint Matthew, where the tax collector wrestles between clinging to his money and rising to follow Christ. This moment captures discipleship: leaving behind false masters to follow the true Lord. Following Jesus means daily dying to sin and rising with Him—a journey lived out in our vocations as spouses, parents, workers, citizens, and members of Christ’s Church.
Just as Matthew was called into a unique service as apostle and evangelist, we too are called to serve Christ where God has placed us. And through it all, Jesus remains God with us—in His Word, in Baptism, in the Supper, and in His Church—until He comes again. Listen to the entire sermon below.
All Saints Lutheran Church and School 