The calling of St. Matthew is the event frequently referred to by Pope Francis. From the sermon of the Venerable Bede on the calling of Matthew comes this statement: “He saw the tax collector and, because he saw him through the eyes of mercy and chose him, he said to him: ‘Follow me.’ Pope Francis’ episcopal and papal motto, “Miserando atque eligendo” draws its inspiration from this. The photo depicts Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s (1571-1610) masterful interpretation of the event, a favorite of Pope Francis. He must have visited this painting often in the church of San Luigi dei Francesco in Rome which is just a few meters away from the hotel run by the church for visiting clerics in Rome. Recall that after he was elected Pope he went back to this hotel to personally pay his own bills. One of the interesting details of this painting is the extended arm of Jesus pointing towards Matthew. The extend hand recalls to mind a masterpiece of Michelangelo (1475-1564) in the Sistine chapel which is the hand of the Creator extended towards Adam. By the calling of Matthew, Jesus is creating man anew. Jesus’ mercy and compassion give us another chance in life to follow Him. May we allow ourselves once again to be surprised by God’s love.
Posted on: Thu, 22 Jan 2015 03:58:23 +0000
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