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.