Liturgy Alive Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle, Evangelist

Introduction

From a despised tax-collector, appraised no higher than a public sinner or a pagan, Matthew becomes an apostle. He is living proof that Jesus came to call sinners. And among the apostles, he is one of the two who witnessed to Christ not only with their life and work but also their writing. He is with us today to strengthen our faith. He shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Scriptures and how our communities today, like his long ago, have to put the Good News of Jesus into practice.

Opening Prayer

Lord God of mercy,
you show us today, 
in your apostle and evangelist Matthew,
how you put the self-righteous to shame
and call sinners to the task
of bringing your Son's Good News to the world.
Forgive us our pride and reassure us,
that we can count on you and your love
because we are weak and sinful people.
Let us share in your message and life
through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Liturgy of the Word

Intentions

– For the Church, a community of saints and sinners, that we, the People of God and our leaders, may not condemn those who have failed, but with God give them new chances in life, we pray:
– For people who have failed and no longer believe in themselves, in God or in the community, that they may draw new hope from our compassion and understanding, we pray:
– For priests and religious, that they may keep trusting in the Lord who called them notwithstanding their human frailty; that with Christ they may care especially for the poor and the weak, we pray:

Prayer over the Gifts

Lord God, merciful Father,
your Son, Jesus Christ, was eating
with tax collectors and sinners
because they needed him.
We bring this bread and this wine before you,
that he may sit at table with us
because we too, need him.
Accept his sacrifice and ours,
so that sins may be forgiven 
and that we may live in your love,
now and for ever.

Prayer after Communion

Lord our God, merciful Father, 
through your Son in our midst, 
help us to be mild and compassionate
without condemning anyone,
for you have been gentle to us.
And do not let us boast
of our human achievements,
for we owe everything
to your grace and your call
in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Blessing

"I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." Let these words change our attitude toward people, also toward ourselves, and make us mild and understanding to everyone, with the blessing of Almighty God, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.