Daily Gospel Reflection for September 21, 2020

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Catherine Schipper

Today's Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 - Feast of St. Matthew

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Matthew, who was one of the first Apostles. It is the story of a sinner who answers the call of Christ. As I pondered this Gospel passage, I was taken back to a beautiful fall day in Rome several years ago. I had been and still am captivated by the genius of Caravaggio, and was on a mission to find as many of his paintings as I could while on pilgrimage.

On this particular day, my husband and I were headed to the Church of San Luigi de Francesi, to see the paintings of Saint Matthew by Caravaggio. As we traipsed deeper into the interior of the church, we saw a few others standing near the paintings but they appeared hidden in the dark. Then came a moment I will always remember. Someone dropped coins into a box and the paintings were bathed in radiant light. Honestly, it was a moment ingrained in my memory filling me with awe, wonder and beauty. It was electrifying.

In the triptych of paintings, my favorite is The Calling of Matthew, which portrays the exact moment when Matthew is summoned. As I contemplated this masterpiece, I felt as though it must have been like a bolt of lightning as the resplendent light of Christ permeated the darkness of the room. How shocking it must have been to Matthew as he sat at his worktable on this ordinary day. Then he heard the voice of Christ, “Follow me”; words I have contemplated for many years. Matthew didn’t question, make excuses or hesitate. It was a pivotal moment in which a choice was made. He knew what he had to do. He simply rose and followed Christ.

Ponder:

Can you recall a moment when you were called to follow Christ?

Pray:

Lord, permeate the darkness in my soul with Your radiant light so that I can hear Your voice and follow You. Amen

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Matthew didn’t question, make excuses or hesitate. It was a pivotal moment in which a choice was made. He knew what he had to do. He simply rose and followed Christ. #dailygospel

Copyright 2020 Catherine Schipper

As I continue on a journey of vision loss, I couldn't do this without the help of my husband of 45 years. We enjoy traveling, going to concerts and musicals, and finding new adventures.