FEAST OF SAINT MATTHEW

Readings of the day: RB 4:63-78

Mass: Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13; Psalm 19; Matthew 9:9-13

It’s as if Saint Paul is cheering us on as we complete Saint Benedict’s chapter on the Tools for Good Works: “I, prisoner for the Lord, urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Which tool will guide you today as you live in a manner worthy of the call you have received? 

⁶³The way to become holy is faithfully to fulfill God’s commandments every day:

⁶⁴By loving chastity.

⁶⁵By hating no one.

⁶⁶By avoiding jealousy.

⁶⁷And envy.

⁶⁸And hostile rivalry.

⁶⁹By not becoming full of self.

⁷⁰Showing due respect for our elders.

⁷¹And love for those who are younger.

⁷²By praying in the love of Christ for those who are hostile to us.

⁷³By seeking reconciliation and peace before the sun goes down whenever we have a quarrel with another.

⁷⁴And finally never despairing in the mercy of God.

⁷⁵These, then, are the guidelines to lead us along the way of spiritual development. ⁷⁶If we follow them day and night and never on any account give up, so that on judgment day we can give an account of our fidelity to them, that reward will be granted us by the Lord which he himself promised in the scriptures: ⁷⁷What no eye has seen nor ear heard God has prepared for those who love him.

⁷⁸The workshop in which we are called to work with steady perseverance along these guidelines is the enclosure of the monastery and stability in community life.  

“FOLLOW ME.”

SAINT MATTHEW, PRAY FOR US.