September 21, 2023 — Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist — Feast — We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you — Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew (Mt 9: 9-13)

As Jesus passed by,
he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post.
He said to him,

“Follow me.”

And he got up and followed him.
While he was at table in his house,
many tax collectors and sinners came
and sat with Jesus and his disciples.
The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples,

“Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

He heard this and said,

“Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do.
Go and learn the meaning of the words,

I desire mercy, not sacrifice.

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”