Leaving the Gospel of St. Matthew

kata Matthaion euangelion, or the Gospel of St. Matthew, is the first in the order of the Gospels, but most likely not the first written.  The author of Matthew borrowed heavily from the  source of Mark, and one or two common narratives day.  Like the Gospel of John, Matthew seems to be the 'Church" Gospel, with it's references to church and the ideas of a community it proposes.  Throughout the Gospel we have read five discourses, or themes, which help to bring an understanding to the theology of the Kingdom of God.


Throughout this Gospel Matthew has again and again reiterated the importance of evangelization.  The Disciples are to go out and share the Good News.  Those who are cured or healed share what has happened to the.  But more important than the going out to places, is that as individuals, and as a community, or lifestyle shares the 'good news' of Jesus Christ with others.  The last judgement scene from chapter 25 challenges members of the community to perform corporal and spiritual works of mercy as a means of making known the Gospel message.  Back in chapter 24 Jesus admonishes the religious leadership for being more concerned with their exterior  trappings, than being servants of the Word of God and the people of God.


John Paul II pronounced that this century needed to be one of a New Evangelization.  Not only are there those who have not heard of the Gospel message, but in our post-modern society we have made religious truths into subjective truths.  In recent years the Church has recommended faith sharing from the pulpit, and within small Christian communities.  Across the Church there is a new emphasis on preaching and catechesis.  The Paulists have developed a series of programs which help form these small communities, and give them purpose and direction.  Of course the most difficult aspect is to find good catechetical leaders.


Matthew's presentation of the apostles demonstrates that they struggle with faith, in particular with the Paschal Mystery.  Faithful people, and faith-filled communities, are those that remain connected to Jesus even as the boat (the Church) is rocked hither and yon, and during the threat of persecution.  The disciple stays with Jesus through the good and the bad.  Doing so increases their own faithfulness, but also becomes a witness to those around us.


hopefully this year has been a lesson(s) learned thanks to the narrative of St. Matthew.  Matthew has called us to become a holy people, directed towards the gifted-ness we have received, all for the unfolding of the Kingdom of God.