San Matteo, also known as Saint Matthew, holds a significant place in Christian history as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the first Gospel in the New Testament. His life and works have left a lasting impact on Christianity, influencing both religious practices and theological teachings. This article delves into the life, legacy, and historical context of San Matteo, exploring his journey from a tax collector to a revered saint.
Early Life and Background
San Matteo, originally named Levi, was born in the first century BC in Capernaum, a town located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee in ancient Palestine. As a young man, Matteo worked as a tax collector, a profession that was despised by his fellow Jews. Tax collectors, also known as publicans, were often viewed as collaborators with the Roman occupiers and were notorious for their corrupt practices. They were considered sinners and social outcasts, shunned by the devout Jewish community for their association with the pagan Roman Empire.
Matteo’s life took a transformative turn when he encountered Jesus Christ. According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus saw Matteo sitting at his tax booth and simply said to him, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Matteo rose from his seat, left his lucrative profession, and became one of Jesus’ disciples. This momentous decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in Matteo’s life, one that would see him transition from a despised tax collector to a devoted apostle of Christ.
Matteo as an Apostle
After joining Jesus’ group of disciples, Matteo quickly became an integral part of the early Christian movement. He is mentioned in all three Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) as one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus. The Gospels describe Matteo as a man who, despite his past, was deeply committed to spreading the teachings of Christ.
As an apostle, Matteo was tasked with preaching the Gospel, healing the sick, and performing miracles in Jesus’ name. His role as a messenger of Christ was not limited to his local community; after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, Matteo, along with the other apostles, was sent out to spread Christianity beyond the borders of Palestine.
The Gospel of Matthew
San Matteo’s most enduring legacy is undoubtedly his authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. This Gospel, one of the four canonical Gospels in the New Testament, is a cornerstone of Christian scripture. Written in the second half of the first century AD, the Gospel of Matthew was originally composed in Hebrew or Aramaic, the language spoken by the Jewish people in Palestine at the time. However, it was later translated into Greek, which allowed it to reach a broader audience.
The Gospel of Matthew is distinct in its emphasis on Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Matteo sought to present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the savior prophesied in Jewish scriptures. Throughout his Gospel, Matteo meticulously connects the life and teachings of Jesus to the Hebrew Bible, demonstrating how Jesus’ actions and words fulfilled the messianic expectations of the Jewish people.
One of the most significant contributions of the Gospel of Matthew is the Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings and sayings of Jesus that includes the Beatitudes, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Golden Rule. This sermon encapsulates the ethical and moral principles of Christianity and has had a profound influence on Christian thought and practice.
Matteo’s Ministry and Martyrdom
Following the ascension of Jesus, Matteo continued his ministry, preaching the Gospel in various parts of the world. According to tradition, Matteo traveled to Ethiopia, where he established Christian communities and performed miracles. His missionary work in Ethiopia is credited with converting many people to Christianity, solidifying his reputation as a powerful evangelist.
Matteo’s life as an apostle, however, was not without challenges. His efforts to spread Christianity in a predominantly pagan world often put him at odds with local authorities and religious leaders. Despite the dangers, Matteo remained steadfast in his faith, continuing to preach and convert people to Christianity.
Tragically, Matteo’s commitment to his faith ultimately led to his martyrdom. While the exact details of his death are unclear, it is believed that he was martyred in Ethiopia around the year 70 AD, possibly by being beheaded or stoned to death. His martyrdom is a testament to his unwavering dedication to spreading the message of Christ, even in the face of persecution and death.
Veneration and Legacy
San Matteo’s legacy has endured for centuries, and he is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. His feast day is celebrated on September 21st in the Western Christian tradition, while in the Eastern Orthodox Church, it is observed on November 16th. San Matteo is the patron saint of several professions, including accountants, bankers, tax collectors, and customs officers, reflecting his background as a tax collector before his conversion.
One of the most significant sites of veneration for San Matteo is the city of Salerno in Italy, where his relics are believed to be housed in the Cathedral of San Matteo. Each year, on his feast day, the city of Salerno holds a grand procession in his honor, during which his relics are carried through the streets in a display of devotion and reverence.
The veneration of San Matteo is not limited to Italy; he is also honored in various other parts of the world, including Spain, where his image is often depicted in religious art. In these depictions, Matteo is typically shown holding a book or a scroll, symbolizing his role as the author of the first Gospel.
San Matteo in Art and Culture
San Matteo’s life and works have been a rich source of inspiration for artists throughout history. One of the most famous depictions of San Matteo is by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio, whose painting “The Calling of Saint Matthew” vividly captures the moment when Jesus calls Matteo to follow him. Caravaggio’s use of light and shadow in this painting emphasizes the dramatic nature of Matteo’s conversion, highlighting the transformative power of Christ’s call.
Another notable work is Caravaggio’s “The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew,” which depicts Matteo’s martyrdom in Ethiopia. This painting, like “The Calling of Saint Matthew,” is housed in the Contarelli Chapel of the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome and is part of a triptych that also includes “The Inspiration of Saint Matthew.”
These artistic representations of San Matteo have played a crucial role in shaping the public’s perception of the saint, reinforcing his image as a devoted apostle and martyr. Through these works of art, San Matteo’s story has been immortalized, allowing future generations to connect with his life and legacy.
Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of San Matteo
San Matteo’s journey from a tax collector to one of Jesus’ most trusted apostles is a powerful story of redemption and transformation. His authorship of the Gospel of Matthew has had a lasting impact on Christian theology and practice, influencing countless generations of believers. As a saint, Matteo’s life serves as an example of faith, dedication, and the power of God’s call to change a person’s life.
The historical and cultural significance of San Matteo extends beyond his religious contributions. His story has been a source of inspiration for artists, theologians, and believers for centuries, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in churches and communities around the world.
San Matteo’s life and works remind us of the profound impact that one person can have on the course of history, particularly when guided by faith and a commitment to a higher purpose. His Gospel, his ministry, and his martyrdom all serve as enduring testimonies to the transformative power of Christ’s message and the strength of those who choose to follow it.
