The Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, is this Saturday, Sept. 21. Matthew was, of course, a tax collector, one of the most despised of all people in that time. The tax collectors were collaborators with the enemy, making their living off the suffering of their family and friends. They were also known to be thieves, living quite well off of their manipulation and exploiting their friends and family.
   
Called by Jesus as he sat at his money-changing table, Matthew left all this behind and became a major player in Jesus’ little company. Matthew will become one of the four evangelists, writing down the stories of Jesus and His words. His Gospel is most noted by his Infancy Narrative, which is told from the perspective of Joseph, and the Sermon on the Mount.
   
Eventually Matthew would make his way to Ethiopia, where he would be martyred.