Feast of Saint Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Intention: That each of us may grow every day in God’s love and work every day for the good of all.
Today’s Gospel | Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed by, 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.”
From the Meditation on Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
When attempts are made to entice your students to do evil, strengthen them in doing good. Do not expect any other rewards when you do the duties of your work well than to suffer persecution, injuries, insults, and curses and to have people accuse you falsely of all sorts of evil, as Saint Matthew wrote and as he put into practice. Rejoice when this happens, adds the same saint, and leap for joy, because a great reward is reserved for you in heaven, for it was in this way that they persecuted the Prophets before you. Be convinced that such persecutions will draw down on you the grace of God in abundance and his blessings on your work.
Prayer
Eternal Father, each day you call us to yourself, gathering us in when we are far from you and healing our brokenness. Fill us with your spirit so that we may never be afraid to answer you and welcome you. Make of us a humble and caring people, especially to those who have been shunned and neglected by our world. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.