St Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to follow him and spread his teaching. Before responding to Christ's call, Matthew worked as a tax collector, a profession often despised at the time for its association with exploitation and corruption.

Matthew's vocation is recounted in the Gospel according to Matthew: "As Jesus passed by, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office. He said to him, 'Follow me.' The man got up and followed him." (Matthew 9:9). This simple call from Jesus brought about a profound transformation in Matthew's life, leading him from a life focused on material wealth to a radical commitment to the Kingdom of God.

By becoming a disciple of Christ, Matthew left behind his old life to embrace a new mission: to be a witness to God's Good News and mercy. He devotedly followed Jesus, learning from his teachings, participating in his miracles and sharing in his itinerant ministry.

After Jesus' resurrection, Matthew played an active role in spreading the Gospel. According to tradition, he evangelised in Judea and perhaps even Ethiopia, before dying a martyr for his faith. Although the details of his death are unclear, his devotion and sacrifice bear witness to his unwavering commitment to Christ.

St Matthew is also the author of the Gospel that bears his name, a rich text that presents Jesus as the expected Messiah, King of kings and universal Saviour. His Gospel focuses on God's love, mercy, justice and the call to conversion, reflecting his own experience of conversion and his deep understanding of divine grace.

In conclusion, the life of St Matthew reminds us of the transformative power of Christ's call and the possibility of the profound conversion that can arise when we respond with faith. His life bears witness to God's infinite mercy and to the capacity of every person, whatever their background, to become a faithful disciple and an instrument of divine love in the world.