The day this is published (September 21st) is St Matthew’s Day in the Christian calendar. Although many of us are ‘non-Christian’ in terms of belief, most of us are not anti-Christian and we can still draw inspiration from Christian stories and characters. Stories of profound transformation captivate and inspire us. Often, these tales are tinted with hope, reminding us of the boundless possibilities inherent in the human spirit. One such powerful narrative is that of St. Matthew – a tax collector turned apostle. His journey was about embracing change and believing in the potential for growth and redemption.
In the times of ancient Judea, tax collectors weren’t merely officials who collected state taxes. Their reputation was one of dishonesty and corruption, as many were known to extract more than what was due and pocket the difference. It was a lucrative profession but one that came at the cost of being ostracised by the community. However, amidst this backdrop, Matthew’s life took a dramatic turn.
One day, as he was at his tax booth, Jesus of Nazareth approached him with a simple yet transformative invitation: “Follow me.” With just those two words, Matthew’s world shifted. Leaving behind his ledger and coins, he embarked on a spiritual journey, transforming from an outcast tax collector to one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.
The account of St. Matthew isn’t just a story from the pages of the Bible; it’s a testament to the incredible capacity for change we all hold within us. It emphasises three core tenets:
- Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future
Matthew’s past was fraught with choices that made him unpopular and mistrusted. Yet, when given the opportunity, he chose a different path. In our own lives, we often become prisoners of our past mistakes, thinking they set in stone what our future would be. But Matthew’s transformation is a beacon of hope, highlighting that our past actions, however regrettable, don’t bind our future. - It’s Never Too Late for Redemption
Matthew wasn’t a young idealist when he was called upon; he had spent significant years in his profession. This teaches us that age is no barrier to redemption or transformation. Whether you’re 25 or 65, it’s never too late to pivot, change, and evolve. Redemption is accessible to all, irrespective of age or past deeds. - Embrace Change with an Open Heart
Change is often challenging because it’s rife with the unknown. Yet, instead of shying away, Matthew embraced it fully. His story reminds us that sometimes the best thing we can do is to surrender to change, trusting that the universe (or a higher power) has a plan for us.
In a world where change is the only constant. From technology to job markets, from personal relationships to spiritual beliefs – everything is in a state of flux. As members of a spiritualist church, or even just seekers on the path of life, how do we navigate these constant shifts?
The answer lies in the lesson from St. Matthew: Embrace change. Instead of resisting or fearing it, we should see change as an opportunity for growth, a chance to learn, and a pathway to discover newer facets of ourselves. Just as Matthew discovered a profound purpose in his life post-transformation, we too can find deeper meanings and purpose in the changes that life throws our way.
In a spiritual context, change is often seen as a nudge from the universe, guiding us towards our higher purpose. When we approach change with this mindset, every challenge becomes an opportunity, and every setback becomes a lesson.
The life of St. Matthew, as chronicled in the annals of history, offers more than just a spiritual lesson; it offers a life lesson. As we navigate the labyrinth of our existence, his story stands as a lighthouse, guiding us towards belief in ourselves and the endless possibilities that life holds.
