Saint of September 21st, 2026

Saint of the Day for September 21

(c. 1st Century)

Saint Matthew’s Story

Saint Matthew was a Jew who worked for the occupying Roman forces, collecting taxes from other Jews. The Romans were not scrupulous about what the “tax farmers” got for themselves. Hence the latter, known as “publicans,” were generally hated as traitors by their fellow Jews. The Pharisees lumped them with “sinners” (see Matthew 9:11-13). So it was shocking to them to hear Jesus call such a man to be one of his intimate followers.

Matthew got Jesus in further trouble by having a sort of going-away party at his house. The Gospel tells us that many tax collectors and “those known as sinners” came to the dinner. The Pharisees were still more badly shocked. What business did the supposedly great teacher have associating with such immoral people? Jesus’ answer was, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:12b-13).

Jesus is not setting aside ritual and worship; he is saying that loving others is even more important. No other particular incidents about Saint Matthew are found in the New Testament.

Saint Matthew is the Patron Saint of:

Accountants
Actors
Bankers
Bookkeepers
Tax collectors
Taxi Drivers