Yesterday, September 21, was the feast day of Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, whose name is attached to the first book of the New Testament. Matthew's day got bumped on the church calendar to today, because every Sunday is a feast of Jesus, and nothing trumps a feast of Jesus. So today we celebrate Saint Matthew on this day of the autumnal equinox - speaking of which, did we not used to celebrate the first day of fall on September 21? Something has changed.
But back to Saint Matthew and his Gospel of Jesus Christ -- Matthew was a tax collector in Capernaum, one of Jesus' favorite villages. A total of five of the original twelve Apostles claimed Capernaum as home (Matthew, Peter, Andrew, John, and John's brother James).
We are preaching our way through Matthew's gospel this year, but frankly it preaches itself. Let's see . . . there's the birth narrative, the Sermon on the Mount, which includes the Beatitudes, the parables . . . read chapter 13 for all those "The Kingdom of Heaven is like . . ." comparisons. Matthew's detailed account of the trial, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus is the stuff of great musical compositions.
Here's one of my favorite quotes from Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 11, verses 28-30, quoting Jesus:
Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church Episcopal
http://www.holycrosschurchbillings.org/
406-208-7314
photo: Autumn at Duncan Gray Conference Center
Canton, Mississippi
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