Saint Matthew

St Matthew History

The Observance of Saint Matthew is a religious tradition honouring the life and works of Saint Matthew, an apostle and evangelist in the early Christian Church. As one of the twelve apostles and the patron saint of tax collectors and bankers, Saint Matthew holds significant importance to Christians around the world. The observance is marked through masses, prayers, and reflections on his teachings, emphasizing humility, compassion, and the importance of being a witness to one's faith.

Saint Matthew, originally a tax collector named Levi, was chosen by Jesus to become one of his apostles. According to Christian teachings, he authored the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four canonical gospels and a vital source of information about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In New Zealand, with its diverse Christian population, the impact of Saint Matthew's role as an evangelist is still recognized today. His gospel emphasizes universalism, an idea that resonates with many New Zealanders due to their multicultural society. Saint Matthew encourages empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, values that remain crucial to the country's national identity.

While the Observance of Saint Matthew is not marked by grand public celebrations in New Zealand, it is still recognized by the nation's Christian population. Churches may hold masses and offer special prayers for the day, giving the faithful an opportunity to reflect on Saint Matthew's teachings and collectively venerate him. The celebrations remain rooted in spirituality and worship, reflecting the humility of the saint's life. The Observance of Saint Matthew typically takes place on the 21st of September, providing New Zealand's Christians a dedicated day to remember and honour this important figure in their religious history.

Saint Matthew facts

• Once Matthew begins to follow Jesus, he holds a dinner for other tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10). The Pharisees, the strict Jewish law abiders that were leaders in the community, complained about Jesus, a teacher eating with sinners. Jesus said, "For I have come to call the not the righteous but the sinners." (Matthew 9:13)
• Early church writers claim that after Jesus' death and resurrection that Matthew preached Christianity in Persia, Macedonia, and Syria.
• Saint Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before becoming one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is the patron saint of tax collectors and accountants.
• He is best known as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. His writings provide a link between the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In the News and Trending in NZ for Saint Matthew

Top things to do in NZ for St Matthew

• Because of his background as a tax collector, Matthew is the patron saint of bankers and accountants. His feast day would be a good time to audit your books if you are a business owner or re-establish a family budget.
• Matthew was a tax collector, which was one of the most reviled professions in Judaism at the time of Christ. People looked down on tax collectors, but even so Jesus ate with them. Spend the day honoring St. Matthew getting to know somebody who is looked down upon in our society.
• Many churches offer online streams of their services, so you can participate in a Saint Matthew's day service from the comfort of your home.
• Take some time to reflect on your faith and write a prayer or meditation inspired by Saint Matthew's teachings. Use this moment for personal introspection and spiritual growth.