September 21: Happy SAINT MATTHEW'S DAY! "As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, 'Follow me.' And he got up and followed him" (Matthew 9:9).
And of course, here is the famous "Calling of Saint Matthew" painted by Caravaggio in the year 1600, which you should gaze upon at least once a year. It etches itself inside your mind eventually: this little room full of characters in 16th century dress, who somehow become "universal" in that moment when Jesus raises his human hand, between the shadows and the light, in that evocative gesture that - ultimately - is directed to each one of us.
We too are sitting at that crowded table, preoccupied with our own petty schemes. He points to us personally, recognizing us, summoning, offering, awaiting our response.
