Chalice employees gather each morning for prayer before beginning our busy workdays. As part of our prayer, we often share stories of the saints and reflect on how their lives can inspire and guide us in our own journeys of faith. Beginning this week with Saint Monica, we will share reflections, poetry, artwork, and videos from children at our sites, staff and volunteers, exploring the lives of these saints and how their examples can shape the way we live and serve others.
Saint Matthew was a tax collector when Jesus called him to follow Him. Matthew left his work behind and became one of the Twelve Apostles, dedicating his life to Christ and the proclamation of the Gospel. His conversion reminds us that Jesus calls each of us by name and invites us to leave behind what keeps us from following Him more closely. Matthew went on to share the Good News and is traditionally recognized as the author of the Gospel that bears his name. His life reminds us that no one is beyond God’s mercy and that an encounter with Christ can change the direction of our lives. Through his example, we are invited to respond generously when God calls, trust in His mercy, and share the Gospel through our words and actions.
Prayer:
Pray with us
Patron of:
- Accountants
- Bankers
- Bookkeepers
- Tax Collectors
- Taxi Drivers
- Civil Servants
Life Span:
1st Century
From:
Palestine
Reflection:
Follow me
Saint Matthew knew what it was like to be caught up in the business of everyday life. He had a job, responsibilities and a routine to follow. Then Jesus came along and simply said, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed Him.
Most of us probably won’t have a moment quite like that. Instead, Christ calls us in the middle of busy days, full calendars and lives that can feel like they are always moving. We have work to do, family to care for, bills to pay and plenty of things happening in the world to worry about. Between the news, social media, work and all the little distractions around us, it can be easy to lose sight of God.
Matthew reminds us that following Christ sometimes means stopping and asking ourselves what has our attention—and whether it has our heart. Our responsibilities are important, but they should not leave us so busy that we forget to make room for God.
We may not be able to step away from everything that fills our days, but we can choose to put Christ at the centre of them. Sometimes that means taking a few quiet minutes to pray, putting down our phones, or simply remembering that God is with us in the middle of whatever the day brings.
Saint Matthew’s story reminds us that Jesus meets us right where we are. He calls us in the middle of our ordinary lives. May we have the grace to notice His call, the courage to follow Him, and the faith to trust where He leads us.
Reflection written by Elizabeth, Chalice staff member.
