Feast Day: September 21
Have you ever been invited to do something important?
Perhaps a teacher asked you to help a classmate, a parent gave you a special responsibility, or a friend invited you to join a game. An invitation gives us a choice: Will we say yes?
St. Matthew received a very special invitation from Jesus. His answer changed his entire life.
Who Was St. Matthew?
Before Matthew became one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, he worked as a tax collector. His job was to collect money from people for the Roman government.
Tax collectors were often disliked and distrusted. Some of them collected more money than they were supposed to and kept the extra for themselves. Because of this, many people may not have expected Jesus to choose a tax collector as one of His followers.
But Jesus saw more than Matthew’s job or reputation. Jesus saw Matthew’s heart and the person he could become.
Jesus Calls Matthew
One day, Jesus saw Matthew sitting at the customs post where he worked. Jesus gave him a simple invitation:
“Follow me.”
- Matthew 9:9, NABRE
Matthew stood up and followed Jesus.
He did not ask Jesus to come back when he felt more prepared. He did not wait until he had every part of his future figured out. Matthew trusted Jesus enough to take the next step.
Matthew became one of the twelve apostles. He learned from Jesus, witnessed His ministry, and helped share the Good News with others. Catholic tradition also recognizes Matthew as the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
What Can Children Learn from St. Matthew?
Matthew’s story teaches us that Jesus calls ordinary people.
We do not have to be perfect before we can follow Him. Jesus knows our strengths, our struggles, and the mistakes we have made. He still invites us to love Him and live according to His teachings.
Children can follow Jesus through small choices each day. They can:
- Tell the truth, even when it is difficult.
- Include someone who feels left out.
- Help without being asked.
- Forgive someone who hurt their feelings.
- Pray for a person who needs help.
- Listen respectfully to their parents and teachers.
- Show kindness to a brother, sister, or classmate.
Every loving choice can become a small way of answering Jesus’ invitation.
Talk About It
Use these questions at home, in a Catholic classroom, or during religious education:
- What job did Matthew have before he followed Jesus?
- What did Jesus say to Matthew?
- How did Matthew respond?
- Why do you think Jesus chose someone whom other people did not trust?
- What is one way you can follow Jesus this week?
Free St. Matthew Activity Packet
Continue the lesson with this printable St. Matthew activity packet. It includes:
- A short reading about St. Matthew
- A matching activity
- A “Follow Jesus” maze
- A St. Matthew word search
- An answer key and completion certificate
[Download the Free St. Matthew Kids Activity Packet]
A Prayer for Children
St. Matthew,
you stood up and followed Jesus when He called you.
Please pray that I will listen for God’s voice
and have the courage to make good choices.
Jesus, help me follow You
by being honest, loving, helpful, and kind.
Show me how I can share Your Good News with others.
Amen.
A Simple Challenge
Ask your child to choose one way to follow Jesus today. At the end of the day, talk about what happened and how that choice helped another person.
St. Matthew reminds us that Jesus can call anyone. We simply need to listen, trust Him, and take the next faithful step.
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