While [Matthew] was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The call of Jesus to Matthew that he “follow me” impacted not just Matthew but those around him, his family, friends, co-workers, associates. If the likes of Matthew, who they knew to be as big a mess as they were, could follow Jesus maybe they could too. That is our story. We know how imperfect we are and find it hard to imagine that we could bring anyone to God. The story of Matthew demonstrates that it is our very messiness that can make us effective apostles. By striving and falling and striving again to live the gospel we model faithful discipleship to others.
