the apostolic, catholic mind
“Each of us has received God’s favor in the measure in which Christ bestows it...It is He Who gave apostles.” —Ephesians 4:7, 11
St. Matthew was one of the four evangelists, a missionary, and a martyr. Even more important than these exceptional callings was that Matthew was an apostle. Apostles are extremely important in God's plan of salvation. The Church is founded on the apostles and the prophets (Eph 2:20). Apostles lead the way in equipping the saints for the work of service to build up the Body of Christ (Eph 4:11-12). After Christ’s final coming in glory, the Church, described as the new Jerusalem, will come down out of heaven in glorious brilliance (Rv 21:10-11). The names of the twelve apostles will be written on the foundation of the perfected Church (Rv 21:14). What greater expression of the importance of the apostles could there be!
Apostolic succession is the historical, objective indicator that the Catholic Church is the Church that Jesus founded. Considering all these facts about apostleship in God’s plan, a Catholic should be emphasizing the apostles by celebrating joyfully their feast days, following the bishops, who are the apostles’ successors, asking the apostles’ intercession, and venerating the apostles in art, song, and devotions. Let us be truly Catholic. St. Matthew and all the apostles, pray for us.
Prayer: Father, give me a Catholic mind instead of one programmed by my secular culture.
Promise: “As He moved on, Jesus saw a man named Matthew at his post where taxes were collected. He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ Matthew got up and followed Him.” —Mt 9:9
Praise: St. Matthew once thought only of his own profit. Then he met Jesus, the ultimate Prophet, and only thought of working for His Kingdom.
Reference: (To celebrate St. Matthew’s feast day, consider reading his Gospel. For help, view, download or order our booklet Simple Reading Guide to Matthew and Mark on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period August 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio May, 6, 2026"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.