VIGIL OF ST. MATTHEW
If giants, dwarfs, and persons of standard height make up mankind, surely to the mental eye human vocations exhibit as wide a scale of extremes. And this, whether we measure vocations by dignity and lowliness, or by arduousness and ease.
To one man is allotted a domestic life of satisfied affection and multiplied blessings, unaccompanied by crushing trials or difficulties. "God answereth him in the joy of his heart:" moderation and thankfulness rank among his chief duties, and "a joyful and pleasant thing it is to be thankful."
Another man is called to hardship, disappointment, a life and death struggle with the world, the flesh and the devil.
Or if we glance back to the primitive Church for our specimens. Then all Christians had distinctly and decisively to choose their side in the battle of life, Confessors were common, Martyrs not rare.
Yet among this elect congregation a few were set foremost as Apostles; and out of these, two were inspired to become Evangelists.
Of these two, St. Matthew is one.
It is vain to meditate ambitiously on his glory: it is unworthy to meditate thereon in a craven spirit of sloth.
Yet inasmuch as his Vigil and Festival bid us have him in remembrance, let us at least in one point emulate his luminous example, for in one point we can.
Christ called him: he forthwith obeyed the call, followed Him, clave to Him, lived for Him, died for Him.
And every one of us by asking aright can obtain grace to do the same.
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