Saturday, September 20, 2008

The calling of Matthew

Jesus saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office, and He said to him; Follow me...
 
Because of the author and theologian, Fr. Robert Barron, the story of the calling of Matthew has become one of my favorite moments in the life of Jesus. Barron uses the classic painting by Caravaggio to show us what it means to be called by Jesus. Matthew is in the lap of luxury when this poor jobless Rabbi shows up and tells him to follow. In the painting we see the look of surprise and puzzlement on the face of Matthew. He points to himself as if to say, "me?" Peter, who represents the Church, stands in the shadow beside Jesus, amazed himself at the far reach of God's love, but mimics his Lord with his own finger, thus representing the far reaching call of the Church to all the world. The finger of Jesus will be familiar, Caravaggio painted the very finger of God that Michelangelo had given God the Father reaching out to Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Jesus is God, Matthew is us, we are all called to follow. Two great things happen, Matthew immediately follows, and then he throws a banquet for Jesus and all of his tax collector friends. Jesus says to all of us daily, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."
 
wkm
 
[Caravaggio - art print, poster - Calling of St Matthew]

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