Catholic Caucus: Daily Mass Readings, 09-21-18, FEAST, St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

USCCB.org/RNAB ^ | 09-21-18 | Revised New American Bible

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'My daughter, observe these three rules, namely: never say I will or I will not. Never say mine, but always ours. Never excuse yourself, but always accuse yourself.'

The Lord, to St. Catherine of Genoa

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The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:  And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.  Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.  Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.  Hail Mary . . .  And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.  Hail Mary . . .  Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.  Let us pray:  Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.  "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)   "Blessed are you among women,  and blessed is the fruit of your womb" (Lk 1:42).

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http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3689602/posts

Saint of the Day — Saint Matthew

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The Twelve Apostles of the Catholic Church: St. Matthew [Catholic Caucus]
ST. MATTHEW, APOSTLE and EVANGELIST
St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Dom Guéranger)
Call No Man Father: Understanding Matthew 23:9
On St. Matthew, A Model of Acceptance of God's Mercy
Remnants of the monastery in which the relics of St. Matthews may reside discovered in Kirghizia
Matthew 16:13-19 exegesis
Acts And Martyrdom Of St. Matthew The Apostle

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Information: St. Matthew

Feast Day: September 21

Died: January 24, near Hierapolis or Ethiopia

Patron of: accountants, bankers, bookkeepers, customs officers, financial officers, guards, money managers, security forces, security guards, stock brokers, tax collectors

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CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Friday, September 21

Liturgical Color: Red

Today is the Feast of St. Matthew,
Apostle and Evangelist. After the
Resurrection, it is thought that he
preached to the Jews for 15 years,
then in Ethiopia and other countries
until he received a martyr's death.

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Catholic Culture

Ordinary Time: September 21st

Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

MASS READINGS

September 21, 2018 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

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.

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Recipes (4)

• Apostle Cookies
• Buttermilk Pancakes I
• Pancake Party for Young People
• Perfect Pancakes

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Activities (2)

• Apostle Cookies
• Family and Friends of Jesus Scrapbook Album

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Prayers (2)

• September Devotion: Our Lady of Sorrows
• A Child's Gospel Night Prayer

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Library (1)

• Matthew | Pope Benedict XVI

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist ; Other Titles: Levi

At the time that Jesus summoned him to follow Him, Matthew was a publican, that is, a tax-collector for the Romans. His profession was hateful to the Jews because it reminded them of their subjection; the publican, also, was regarded by the pharisees as the typical sinner. St. Matthew is known to us principally as an Evangelist. He was the first to put down in writing our Lord's teaching and the account of His life. His Gospel was written in Aramaic, the language that our Lord Himself spoke.

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St. Matthew
No one was more shunned by the Jews than a publican, who was a Jew working for the Roman enemy by robbing his own people and making a large personal profit. Publicans were not allowed to trade, eat, or even pray with others Jews.

One day, while seated at his table of books and money, Jesus looked at Matthew and said two words: "Follow me." This was all that was needed to make Matthew rise, leaving his pieces of silver to follow Christ. His original name, "Levi," in Hebrew signifies "Adhesion" while his new name in Christ, Matthew, means "Gift of God." The only other outstanding mention of Matthew in the Gospels is the dinner party for Christ and His companions to which he invited his fellow tax-collectors. The Jews were surprised to see Jesus with a publican, but Jesus explained that he had come "not to call the just, but sinners."

St. Matthew is known to us principally as an Evangelist, with his Gospel being the first in the New Testament. His Gospel was written in Aramaic, the language that our Lord Himself spoke and was written to convince the Jews that their anticipated Messiah had come in the person of Jesus.

Not much else is known about Matthew. According to tradition, he preached in Egypt and Ethiopia and further places East. Some legends say he lived until his nineties, dying a peaceful death, others say he died a martyr's death.

In the traditional symbolization of the evangelists, based on Ezech. 1:5-10 and Rev. 4:6-7, the image of the winged man is accorded to Matthew because his Gospel begins with the human genealogy of Christ.

Patron: Accountants; bankers; bookkeepers; customs officers; security guards; stock brokers; tax collectors; Salerno, Italy.

Symbols: Angel holding a pen or inkwell; bag of coins; loose coins; halberd; inkwell; king; lance; man holding money; man holding money box and/or glasses; money bag; money box; purse; spear; sword; winged man; young man; book; man sitting at a desk.

Things to Do:

• Do something for the needy: money for missions, donations of clothing or toys, canned goods drive, etc.

• Take time to read St. Matthew's Gospel, keeping in mind that St. Matthew depicts the humanity of Christ and emphasizes His physical sufferings. He makes frequent reference to the fulfillment of prophecies because he wrote to Jews and to Jewish Christians.

• Discuss St. Matthew's call from Christ "Follow me" with your children and how we are all called to belong to the family of God.

• Pray for people who work for financial institutions.

• Make Silver Dollar Pancakes, you can use this recipe on Catholic Cuisine's website or one of the suggestions we offer under recipes.

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The Word Among Us

Meditation: Matthew 9:9-13

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist (Feast)

I did not come to call the righteous but sinners. (Matthew 9:13)

Despised as a collaborator with the Romans, Matthew knew that his job as a tax collector was nothing to be proud of. Or at least he shouldn’t have been proud to be a tax collector. His hard-earned wealth only brought him contempt and rejection from his own people. He probably endured snide remarks from his townspeople, and it’s possible that he had begun to believe them. Whatever he thought, when he heard Jesus call him, Matthew did not hesitate. All his sinful ways, all the ways he had mistreated people, and all the unworthiness that must have accompanied such behavior dissipated. There was something special about Jesus, and Matthew was not about to let any obstacle—real or perceived—stand in his way.

It can be easy to buy into the lie that you are unworthy to answer Jesus’ call. Don’t believe it! Don’t imagine that your sins or weaknesses have convinced Jesus to pass you by in favor of a more worthy candidate. Remember what he said to the people who objected to his calling of Matthew: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:13). We are all sinners, and still, Jesus calls all of us: “Follow me” (9:9). He wants you to be with him.

So don’t let your sins and failings hinder your yes to the Lord. Quite the opposite—they are the perfect opportunity to show the world how merciful he is. Tradition tells us that Matthew went on to evangelize the very Jews he had once scandalized. The evidence of his change of heart must have made a deep impression on many of them.

Today, if you are feeling unworthy, remember Matthew. Remember God’s kindness and mercy toward him. Remember the freedom and joy he felt when he left his old life behind and accepted Jesus’ invitation. God has called you and chosen you because he loves you just as much as he loved Matthew. He wants to silence that voice of unworthiness. Whether Jesus is calling you to leave behind a pattern of sin, to grow closer to him in prayer, to serve your community in a new way, or some combination of all three, say yes. Jump at his invitation, and let him change your life.

“Jesus, thank you for the invitation to follow you. Help me to say yes to your call!”

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
Psalm 19:2-5

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Daily Gospel Commentary

Saint Ephrem (c.306-373)
deacon in Syria, Doctor of the Church
Commentary on the Gospel, or Diatessaron, 5, 17 (SC 121, p.115 rev.)

"Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

Our Lord chose Matthew, the tax collector, to encourage his fellows to join him. He looked on sinners, called them, and brought them to sit beside him. What a wonderful sight! Angels stand trembling while publicans, seated, rejoice. The angels are struck with awe before the Lord's greatness while sinners eat and drink with him. The scribes choke with hatred and indignation, the publicans rejoice because of his mercy. The heavens saw the sight and were filled with wonder; hell saw it and was maddened. Satan saw it and was enraged; death saw it and withered; the scribes saw it and were much troubled.

There was joy in heaven and happiness among the angels because the rebellious had been persuaded, the recalcitrant quieted and sinners reformed, and because publicans had been made righteous. Just as our Lord did not turn away from the shamefulness of the cross in spite of the entreaties of his friends (Mt 16:22) so he did not refuse the company of publicans in spite of the taunts of his enemies. He despised mockery and scorned praise, thus accomplishing all that is for mankind's good.

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Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for September 21, 2018:

How do you use the “waiting” times of your life? Waiting for your spouse to get ready? Waiting at the doctor’s office, red lights, or check-out lanes? Use these times to pray rather than getting impatient.

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Regnum Christi

September 21, 2018 – With the Eyeglasses of Faith

Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist

Father Barry O’Toole, LC

 

 

Matthew 9:9-13

 

As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.”

 

Introductory Prayer: You are true goodness and life, Lord. Closeness to you brings peace and joy. You deserve all of my trust and my love. Thank you for the gift of life, my family and above all of my faith. I’m grateful too, for the gift of the Church which you founded on the Apostles.

Petition: Lord, help me to be simple and straightforward in my faith.

1. Simplicity Is Bliss: The tax collectors were considered traitors of the Jewish people since they were working for the Romans, the “oppressors” of God’s chosen people. The ordinary Jew would not even converse with one such as this. But Jesus says to him, “Follow me.” Matthew got up and followed him immediately, no questions asked, no conditions. What beautiful simplicity! He didn’t know that Christ was going to make him one of the Twelve. In a certain sense, we might say that he signed a blank check and gave it to Jesus. Matthew doesn’t sit down to calculate, he only accepts. He then goes a step further: He invites Jesus to his house for dinner. A Jew generally invited only his true and closest friends and relatives to dinner. It was a sign of intimacy, friendship and love. Matthew goes overboard and lays out the red carpet for Christ in his life.

2. Complicated Calculations: In contrast to Matthew’s straightforwardness, we see the Pharisees’ “righteousness.” Jesus’ dining with a sinner like Matthew is a scandal for them. They really have to confront this Rabbi about his “shameful conduct.” The problem is that they haven’t understood the first thing about the Messiah. Their very point of departure is flawed. They are looking at Christ (and God) from a very rational perspective when the only valid outlook is faith and love. This happens frequently in our lives as we begin to judge events, circumstances and others without faith and charity. Before we realize it, we may have rejected and possibly even defamed our neighbor, a civil authority, or a priest or bishop. We are not looking at things from a supernatural vantage point but rather from our merely human standards.

3. Back to the Basics: Christ puts everything back into perspective. “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” Once again Jesus invites us to elevate our thoughts to a supernatural plain. Why did God become man? We repeat it frequently, at least every Sunday in the Creed: “For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven.…” It is important to examine the degree to which I see and judge everything in my life through the prism of faith. A true believer, a real apostle, must form this “sixth sense” in all of his daily dealings. We form this habit through prayer, our frequent and intimate contact with God. We need to ask God for the gift of faith, which gives us a new perspective on life.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus, I want to be a simple person, one who accepts you and your demands without calculations and complications. Free me from all impediments and grant me your grace so that I might become a convinced, faithful and intrepid apostle of your kingdom, as was St Matthew.

Resolution: In prayerful dialogue with God, I will examine at least three moments or events of my day. (This I can do even at home, in the car or waiting in line, etc.)

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Homily of the Day

September 21, 2018

Feast of St. Matthew

It would certainly seem that Matthew passionately desired wealth. He collected taxes for the hated Roman conquerors. He was seen as collaborating with the enemy. He made himself rich by squeezing taxes out of the Jewish people, both rich and poor, whether by means legal or illegal. The people despised him and ostracized him. He could enter no synagogue; he had to live on the periphery of genteel society. To accept such a life, Matthew must have had a passionate desire for wealth.

Then one day Jesus stops at Matthew’s table. He speaks two brief words to him. “Follow me.” Matthew immediately rises, leaving behind even his passionate desire for wealth and follows Jesus, embracing his simple life-style, his poverty, his total dependence on God for his daily needs. Matthew found a better love than wealth. He spent the rest of his life sharing his newfound love with others.

Like Matthew, we are also called to this task. God wants our lives to reflect Christ and his values.

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One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 5

<< Friday, September 21, 2018 >>

St. Matthew

Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13
View Readings

Psalm 19:2-5

Matthew 9:9-13
Similar Reflections

CONVERSION-CONVERSATIONS

Jesus "said to him, "Follow Me.' Matthew got up and followed Him." �Matthew 9:9

When Matthew met Jesus, he repented of selling out to the world, immediately walked away from his job, and became a disciple of Jesus. Because Matthew was so in love with Jesus, he invited many tax collectors and other sinners to meet Jesus (Mt 9:10). Matthew was so thankful for Jesus having mercy on him, he would have thought it merciless if he had not invited others to meet Jesus.

Matthew, the first of the Gospel evangelists, shows us that the essence of life in Christ is radical conversion, immediate evangelization, and abundant mercy. When we throw ourselves on the mercy of God, He transforms us so deeply that we feel compelled to share the greatest of all good news, that is, God's saving mercy.

If we are converted, we are merciful. If we are merciful, we are zealous for evangelization. Are you converted? Are you acting accordingly?

Prayer: Father, convert me by your standards.

Promise: "I plead with you, then, as a prisoner for the Lord, to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." —Eph 4:1

Praise: St. Matthew is the patron saint of bankers.

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