Matthew

Matthew must be on the top of the list for the most popular names these days. If in doubt about a teenager's name, say "Matthew", and you'll most likely be right. Today the Church celebrates St. Matthew, AKA Levi, ex-tax collector, Apostle, Evangelist. What compelled him to leave his shekels and generously follow Jesus' crisp command, "Follow me"? Something had to have been churning within him; he may have been the brother of James, both called "the son of Alpheus" (Mk 3:18), and thus have had some contact with Jesus prior to the call to follow him. Whatever, his response was immediate and total.
Contact with Jesus can do that. A senior recently told me that through prayer and a retreat this summer, he had a profound experience of Jesus and the love Jesus offered to him. He had been a quiet boy, unsure of himself, down on himself, just going through the motions. The glow in his eyes, the smile on his face as he spoke so freely, showed me that there has been a radical change. He's happy, "in love" with Jesus, and open to whatever Jesus wants for him. He had a "Matthew Experience". Isn't it comforting to know that it still happens? Let us pray for it with an open and longing heart. It can happen to us as well.
Bro. Rene