Calling Of St Matthew

The Calling of St Matthew is a seminal event in Christian theology, captured in a painting by the renowned Italian artist Caravaggio in 1599-1600. This moment, as described in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13), marks the transformation of Matthew, a tax collector, into one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles. The narrative not only signifies Matthew's spiritual awakening but also underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus' ministry, which sought to bring salvation to all, regardless of their background or profession.

The Artistic Representation

Caravaggio’s masterpiece, “The Calling of St Matthew,” is a testament to the artist’s innovative use of chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth. The painting, housed in the Contarelli Chapel within the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome, depicts the scene with dramatic intensity. Jesus, accompanied by Saint Peter, points towards Matthew, who is seated at a table with several other men, presumably other tax collectors. The beam of light illuminating Jesus’ hand and Matthew’s face symbolizes the divine call, separating them from the rest, who remain in shadow, untouched by the light of salvation.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The painting is rich in symbolism, with each element contributing to the narrative’s depth and theological significance. Matthew, caught in the act of counting money, represents the worldly life he is about to leave behind. His gesture, looking up at Jesus with a mix of surprise and inquiry, embodies the moment of decision, the instant when the mundane and the divine intersect. The figures in the background, partially obscured by shadow, can be seen as representing those who have not yet received the call or have chosen to ignore it, highlighting the universal nature of Jesus’ message and the individual’s response to it.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Calling of St Matthew, both as a biblical event and as captured in Caravaggio’s painting, is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of early Christianity. The act of Jesus calling a tax collector, a profession viewed with disdain by the Jewish community due to its association with Roman occupation and corruption, to be one of his apostles, signifies the radical inclusivity of Jesus’ message. This event, occurring in a time of religious, social, and political upheaval, speaks to the transformative power of faith and the challenge it poses to established norms and expectations.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the Calling of St Matthew emphasizes several key aspects of Christian doctrine. It highlights the personal and direct nature of God’s call to individuals, regardless of their past or profession. It also underscores the concept of grace, where salvation is not earned through good deeds but is freely given by God. Furthermore, it exemplifies the community aspect of Christianity, where individuals from diverse backgrounds are called to form a new community based on faith and mutual support.

In conclusion, the Calling of St Matthew, as an event and as depicted in art, offers profound insights into the nature of faith, redemption, and the human condition. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of Christian theology to inspire, to challenge, and to transform individuals and societies. Through its exploration of light and shadow, of the divine and the mundane, it reminds us of the complex interplay between the human and the divine, and the ever-present possibility of spiritual awakening and transformation.