Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist

Saint Matthew (also known as Levi) was a publican (tax collector) in Capernaum who immediately left his toll booth and worldly wealth when Jesus called him with the words: "Follow me." Matthew hosted a banquet in his house where Jesus declared: "I came not to call the just, but sinners." Matthew authored the First Canonical Gospel, written originally for Jewish Christians to demonstrate that Jesus fulfills the Law, the Prophets, and the Old Testament covenant promises as Messiah and King of Israel. Following Pentecost, Matthew preached the Gospel in Judea and according to ancient tradition carried the faith to Ethiopia and Persia, where he suffered martyrdom while offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.