Simple Eats and Art Appreciation with St. Matthew

Some simple eats, a short picture study, and some reflection could enrich your Feast of St. Matthew on September 21st.

How?

Whip up your favorite pancake recipe, but use a tablespoon to make the pancakes small as "silver dollar pancakes" in memory of St. Matthew being a tax collector.

Then, stack some "silver" on each person's plate and, along with praying grace, pray the Collect of the day:

O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

After that, while enjoying the silver dollar pancakes, watch "A moment of spiritual awakening: Caravaggio's Calling of Saint Matthew":

Chat about the picture study and any further thoughts that come up, then reflect:

Daily, we are called to make decisions - decisions that could change our lives, and, in turn, the lives of others. When Christ calls to us, what do we say -  "Yes" or "No"? Do we stay where we are or follow him? Do we change or remain the same?

Sudden callings and conversions like St. Matthew's are rare, but they do happen. So do pivotal points in day-to-day life.

With the next choice you are called to make, will you choose to move towards Christ or to cling to the place you are now in?

Enjoy the feast day!

St. Matthew, pray for us.