Tuesday.blog
The Catholic Calendar for Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Tuesday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Matthew, apostle and evangelist
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Ephesians 4:1-7,11-13
Psalm 19:2-3,4-5
Matthew 9:9-13
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Today the Church honors one of the twelve apostles, Matthew, known as the tax collector. The readings focus on us really, rather than on Matthew. We are reminded that each of us as Christians have received gifts which are to be used for the building up of the Body of Christ. This goal is so "counter-cultural" in that we so often choose careers based on how much money we will make, how many benefits we will have, and how popular we will be. Life can be "all about me and my family" instead of "all about Christ and the needs of the Church."
In the first reading from Ephesians we are challenged to look at others from the oneness we have attained from one baptism, one faith, and one Lord, rather than looking at the gulf or divide that is created by our different roles. We really are more the same than different. Instead we compare material riches, number of cars, successes, etc. Our false perceptions and attitudes create a false barrier, which hinders the building up of the Body of Christ. In the gospel reading we see Christ modeling how we might overcome these attitudes. This feastday challenges us to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem! Saint Matthew, pray for us.
- Joan of Jesus, O.C.D.S.
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