Parish Retreat 2010 - July 10

(4 language groups)

Theme: “The Bible, A Guide for our Steps, A Light for the World”
Date: 10th July 2010
Time: 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Registration Fee: RM3/-

As part of our focus in this fourth year of the New Image of the Parish (NIP), we have invited experienced and dynamic speakers to preach on the theme of the Word of God in this year’s retreat. During this retreat, we will be led to meditate on the Parable of the Sower and to reflect on our call to discernment, to spirituality, to spirituality and finally to mission. This Parish Event is a grace-filled moment to deepen our understanding and experience of the Word of God. Don’t miss this opportunity. Registrations at BEC level and after masses.

Compulsory for all BEC Core Team Members, Zone Leaders/Coordinators, Ministry Committee Members, Catechists, and also open to all parishioners.

ALL ARE WELCOME.

NOTE: BRING ALONG YOUR BIBLES AND WRITING MATERIAL

Bible Camp Forms 1-3

The Sunday School (English section) Students of Forms 1-3, who are on their mid-year school break, attended a Bible Camp last Tuesday, June 8, 2010. Sr Amy Sam IJ and the other Catechetical team members took this opportunity to facilitate fun ways of learning and praying with the Bible. The students were also introduced to the Lectio Divina method of meditating on the Word of God.

The Tamil Sunday School had their Bible camp on the following day, June 9. A big thank you to all the teachers, facilitators and students!

Living the Word of God

May 29, 2010 – Saturday – Feast Day
“Living the Word of God”

Homily Outline

• The Word of God is like a seed that is planted in soil. Unless the seed bears fruit, then the planting will be in vain.
• Last two days, we have learnt how to read and pray the bible. Today, we must allow the Word of God which is planted in us to grow and bear fruit.
• Mary is the example of someone who lives the Word of God.
1. She was obedient to the Word of God delivered to her by the angel Gabriel.
2. Because of her obedience, the Word took flesh and dwelt among us. – Jesus came into the world through Mary.
3. Mary did not keep the Word a secret but went to share the good news she has received with Elizabeth. She is a woman of Witness– we too must share the Word that we have received.
4. The Word bore fruit in her life by making her a Woman of Prayer – e.g. Magnificat. She was also someone who always contemplated the events of her life.
5. She was also a Woman of Communion – she was in communion with the poor (birth of Jesus at Bethlehem), with those in need (Wedding at Cana), and with those who suffer (especially her son on the Cross), with the Church at Pentecost.
6. She was a Woman of Ministry – who served the needs of others (Wedding at Cana) and must have taught her son the important lesson of serving with unconditional love.
7. Most of all, even though she was the mother of Christ, she was His best disciple – she was a Woman Disciple of the Lord – listening to Jesus, suffering with Jesus on the Cross

• From Mary, we learn these 5 important lessons of how to live a Christian life, how to live the Word of God:
1. WARMER through fellowship or communion,
2. DEEPER through discipleship,
3. STRONGER through prayer,
4. BROADER through ministry, and
5. LARGER through witnessing.
• We must have all these elements in our Christian life and community life. To only focus of one and not the other would make us less Christian.

Praying the Word of God

May 28, 2010 – Friday

Guide Outlines
• Goal for Praying the Bible - Our real goal is to meet our Lord as we read his Word and allow him to transform our lives to be more like him through the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Promote the Divine Office and Lectio Divina

Guidelines for Lectio Divina
LECTIO – READING
1. Reading the Scripture passage humbly and prayerfully. Do not rush. So begin with a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit’s assistance Read the passage slowly and carefully.
2. Avoid looking at commentaries at this stage.
3. Have a notebook and pencil ready. Underline, or make a note of, any words or phrases that stand out to you. Write down any questions that occur to you.
4. Read the passage several times and read it aloud. Give yourself time to understand and appreciate what is being said.

MEDITATIO – MEDITATION
1. Here are some suggested approaches you may find helpful.
a. Use your imagination. Picture the passage; put yourself into the scene and become part of the story. See things through the eyes of the other characters, listen to what they say, watch their reactions, imagine how they feel. Keep coming back to Jesus.
b. Ask questions. Use your questions to think more deeply about the passage and what God wants to say to you. Ask Jesus why he did and said what he did. Try to understand his mind. Allow time to be quiet, to listen and hear his answer.
c. Let the Word be a mirror for you. We see how God’s Word applies to our daily life, as an individual, and as part of our community and society. We will find promises and encouragement, challenges and demands.
d. Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your concerns, memories, and ideas.

ORATIO – PRAYER
1. Using the words of the responsorial psalm can help us but we can also use our own words to have a conversation with a very special friend.
2. We can bring what is happening in our own life and in our community before God.
3. We speak and listen, listen and reflect – it is a conversation with God.

CONTEMPLATIO – CONTEMPLATION:
1. We now move from active reflection which uses words and thoughts to a time of silent contemplation. It is like to persons in love who move from discussion to just silently appreciating each other’s company.
2. Few words are necessary here. Let go of words and images, or just stay with one word or one image.
3. Enjoy time in his presence. Just be with him and let him love you. Let him refresh your soul.

Review
After you have finished you may want to jot down in a notebook any experiences or thoughts that particularly impressed you. You may find it helpful to look back at these later.

Reading the Word of God

Homily Outline for 1st day of Parish Triduum

What is the Bible?
Biblos – Library of Books – “The Bible is God’s self revelation to man in history inviting man to respond” or “The WORD OF GOD in the words of men”

Definition helps us to have 2 attitudes when reading the Bible:
1. It is God’s Word – it is truly God speaking to us and inviting us to respond – so we must read with the eyes of FAITH;
2. It is written in the words of men – God chooses human persons like you and me to write down his Word. These human authors live at a certain time, in a certain place, have a certain culture, speak a certain language. So it is equally important to try and discover and understand all these factors if we are to read, study and understand the Word of God.

Here are some important points:
1. Select a good bible (good and accurate translations, footnotes and good introductions)
2. Note Geographical, Historical and Cultural Background.
3. Know the Circumstances of Writing: Audience, Time, Place and Other Factors.
4. Interpret According to the Purpose of the Writer.
5. Recognise the Form of Literature.
6. Interpret According to the Grammar of the Passage.
7. Get at the Meaning of Single Words, but always study them in their setting.
8. Interpret a Passage in the Light of its Context.
9. Interpret any Passage in the Light of the Whole Bible Teaching & Analogy of Faith (Analogy of Faith/ Rule of Faith – what is necessary in terms of faith and morals for salvation)
10. Interpret it within the Church – the light of Tradition guided by Magisterium

How do we start?
1. Start by reading the gospel (esp the Gospel of Mark), because the whole Bible is focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Old Testament is preparation for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The New Testament is how the Christian community lives out the gospel.
2. Use the Sunday readings or daily mass readings – there are reflections which can be found in Shalom, Word Among us (Tamil/Mandarin – you have other resources including The Herald)
3. Join a Bible Study group or start one among your friends or in your BEC.

More photos on Facebook.

Parish Feast Day Triduum - Mass Schedule

"The Bible, A Guide for our Steps and a Light for the World"


Day 1 - Parish Feast Triduum
Thursday, May 27, 2010 - "Reading the Word of God"
7.00 pm Rosary
7.30 pm Mass (3 languages)

Day 2 - Parish Feast Triduum
Friday, May 28, 2010 - "Praying the Word of God"
7.00 pm Rosary
7.30 pm Mass (3 languages)

Parish Feast Day - Feast of the Visitation
Saturday, May 29, 2010 - "Living the Word of God"
(No Novena)
5.15 pm Rosary
5.45 pm Feast Day Mass (4 languages)

(followed by dinner fellowship)

ALL ARE WELCOME
Come and savour the Word of God! The Word of God will come alive in these 3 days of our preached Triduum. Learn to read it, pray with it and finally live it to the fullest!

Bible in 100 Weeks - Training of Facilitators

Sunday (May 2) --- Msgr James Gnanapiragasam, the Chairman of the Archdiocesan Biblical Ministry, gave an introduction of the objectives and dynamics of the Bible in 100 Weeks course to several parishioners who had volunteered to be trained as small group facilitators. Msgr James explained that the course is a simple of way of reading the entire bible from cover to cover and gives the participant "a first glimpse of the entire bible."

"It's not mean to be an academic course but the course is meant to allow the participant to read the entire Bible over a period of time," he added. "The Bible is to be read with the correct perspective. It is first and foremost the Word of God, and so must be read with faith and within the heart of the Church."

The method of bible study that is introduced by this course is both personal and at group level. Participants are expected to read 1-2 chapters of the Bible every week according to a prescribed schedule. The weekly meetings are opportunities for the participants to share the fruits of their bible reading and reflection.

The Bible in 100 Weeks course will be commencing soon. Please look out for announcements in the bulletin.

For more information on the course and handbook, please contact: Doreen 017-3326007 & Jessie 019-2524290.

Reading the Bible From the Heart of the Church

Celebrating 5 Years of Pope Benedict XVI
by EDWARD SRI

Edward Sri is provost and professor of Scripture at the Augustine Institute in Denver, Colorado, and is the author of several books, including The Bible Compass: A Catholic’s Guide to Navigating the Scriptures (Ascension Press).


In an era when “mainstream” biblical scholars deny that the Lord instituted the Eucharist or that Jesus really rose from the dead, Pope Benedict’s insights on how to interpret the Bible are perhaps needed now more than ever. No pope of recent memory has devoted more time and thought throughout his life to weighing carefully both the benefits and challenges of modern biblical scholarship.

Pope Benedict discusses two essential levels to interpreting the Bible: historical and theological. First, he recognizes the importance of a serious historical study of the Scriptures. He is no fundamentalist.

Since Christianity itself is about God’s saving actions in history, and since the Bible bears witness to this history, it is important to understand the meaning of the biblical texts in their original historical settings.

Interpreters, therefore, should take seriously the human dimension of the Bible and discern the original meaning of the text. They can do this by using historical methods that consider the literary genre of a text, its historical context and the modes of expression and narration used in the time of the sacred authors. This first level of interpretation, Pope Benedict notes, is being pursued vigorously by much modern biblical scholarship.

However, he notes that the second level of theological interpretation appears to be “almost absent” in academic work on Scripture. And the effects are devastating.

The second level considers the divine dimension of Scripture. Since Scripture is inspired by God, it must be interpreted in the same spirit in which it was written (Catechism, No. 111). Here, the Pope calls on biblical scholars to avoid a myopic reading of Scripture that focuses only on the historical. He reminds us of the three criteria from Vatican II for authentic interpretation of the Bible: (1) one must read individual biblical texts in light of all the books of the Bible, since the same Holy Spirit coauthored them all; (2) one must read Scripture in light of the living Tradition of the Church, since the same Spirit that inspired the Scriptures is animating the Church’s tradition; and (3) one must interpret Scripture in light of the coherence of truths revealed by Christ and taught by the Church, which also is guided by the same Spirit (see Catechism, Nos. 112-114).

When, however, biblical scholarship fails to interpret the Scriptures theologically — from the standpoint of faith in its inspiration and faith in the God who acts in history — two tragic consequences follow. First, “the Bible becomes solely a history book.” Instead of being experienced as God’s divine words spoken personally to each individual, “the Bible remains in the past, speaks only of the past.”

Second, interpreters tend to deny the divine acting in history. Consequently, when miracles, prophecy or anything else supernatural is found in the Bible, it is automatically discredited as not being even possibly historical. Benedict critiques this bias toward the supernatural: “When there seems to be a divine element [in the Bible], the source of that impression must be explained, thus reducing everything to the human element. As a result, it is the grounds for interpretations that deny the historicity of divine elements.”

Only by reuniting the historical and theological levels of interpretation will modern Scripture scholarship be able to serve a reading of the Bible from the heart of the Church.

(First Published in National Catholic Register, April 25, 2010)

Bible Camp - Stds 4 - 6

By Juliana Cantius


The Bible camp for the children in Stds 4-6, was held on Tuesday the 16th of March 2010. The theme for the Camp was "PREFERENTIAL LOVE FOR THE POOR". Our Energetic team of Cathecist and Y2Y youths made it a Fun Event for the Kids. The Y2Y Team organized the Icebreakers & action songs for the children which was a Blast!!

The Camp Started with the Bible Enthronement. The first session on the Theme was conducted by Spencer & Amanda Sequerah, starting with a touching video presentation of a Short film called " Chicken Ala carte" that touched the children to think about the poor & hungry children and how to appreciate what they have.

After the a break, the children had fun with More Games and songs also Art work. Next was a Bible story, from the book of Luke 16 vs19-31 'The Rich Man & Lazarus' by Catechist Ann, Samantha, Amy, Angeline & Julie. This story taught the children that it is not a Sin to be Rich, but it is a sin to Turn Away and choose to ignore, those who are dying without - food, clothes, care or a home which are The Basic needs for every living being.

Finally when it was time for group dynamics, we were amazed, at how much the children had learnt from the Camp in sharing with us as groups with their written testimonies. After the Final Blessing by Father George, we dismissed the children.

A big Thank You to the Team That put this camp together:- Y2Y - Jamie, Cassy, John, Jaqueline, Melsilla & Audrey.

The Catechist :-Sr. Theresa, Elizabeth, Patricia, Magaret, Rosaline, Thresa, Amy, Amanda, Spencer, Samantha, Angeline & Juliana.
Also Father George & Eddy Joseph.
The Parents for their cooperation & the Children!!!!

More photos on Facebook.

Responsorial Psalm for Fifth Sunday of Lent Year C

Bible Formation (English and Mandarin)

Today, March 20, parishioners from both the English speaking (136 participants) and Mandarin speaking (30 over participants) communities underwent a formation which introduced them on the basic principles of studying and praying the bible. Fr. Clement Lim from the Church of Immaculate Conception, PD spoke at the Mandarin session whereas, Fr. Michael Chua, the parish priest of Visitation delivered the English formation. Here are some basic tips which the participants had learned during the session:

• Note Geographical, Historical and Cultural Background.
• Know the Circumstances of Writing: Audience, Time, Place and Other Factors.
• Interpret According to the Purpose of the Writer.
• Recognise the Form of Literature.
• Interpret According to the Grammar of the Passage.
• Get at the Meaning of Single Words, But always study them in their setting.
• Interpret a Passage in the Light of its Context.
• Interpret any Passage in the Light of the Whole Bible Teaching & Analogy of Faith
• Interpret it within the Church – the light of Tradition guided by Magisterium

More photos on Facebook.

Bible Formation (Tamil): How to Study the Bible?

In line with the Parish theme, "The Bible, A Guide for our Steps, A Light for the World", the Parish Pastoral Council and the priests have decided to provide a basic formation that introduces lay persons to the art of studying and praying the bible. The formation will be conducted in 3 languages, with the first formation in Tamil conducted this afternoon by Fr. George Packiasamy. Over 70 participants attended this afternoon's Tamil formation.

At last year's Parish Pastoral Assembly, the following focus for the year 2010 was affirmed:

Focus: To make the Bible, the Word of God the centre of our lives, and the basis of:
1. Community and Unity
2. Discipleship
3. Prayer
4. Service
5. Witnessing

Method:
a) ACTM focus on training and introducing leaders to Lectio Divina (Spiritual Reading).
b) To provide modules for Lectio Divina based on Lectionary Readings
c) Formations on Bible (including 100 Weeks Bible, 44 week Bible Course etc.)
d) Formations on Evangelisation/ Witnessing/ Discipleship/ Spirituality
e) Retreat on Lectio Divina
f) Catechetical Emphasis on Bible
g) Ensure that every family or member should have a bible (cheap Bibles or sponsored bibles to be made available to poorer families; audio CDs for those who are illiterate)

More photos on Facebook.

Lectio Divina - 2/2

This is the second installment of the posting http://visitation-seremban.blogspot.com/2010/01/lectio-divina-12.html which introduces Lectio Divina for personal meditation. In this second installment, we hope to explain how Lectio Divina can be use in the context of a group/ BEC.

B. BEC/ GROUP PRAYER

In addition to the above guidelines regarding personal prayer, the following steps may be taken when Lectio Divina is done in a small group / BEC.

LECTIO:
Try one or more of the following ways of reading the passage. See what works best for your particular group.
1. Individual reading. To start with give everyone time to read through the passage silently.
2. Proclamation of the Word. One person reads (proclaims) the Word. This is the traditional manner of reading in the liturgical celebration.
3. Two readers. Two people read the text aloud alternately.
4. Each person reads a verse. This is a way of involving each participant, inviting each to read from his own Bible, so that the reading is attentive and dynamic.
5. With different characters. Approach the text somewhat like a drama, in which one person is the narrator/reader, another takes the part of Jesus, a third takes another character. This can be the most dynamic or engaging method and helps us to identify just what the different characters in the passage are saying.

MEDITATIO:
1. In the group setting, it is important that everyone is given time to participate, to share what the Lord has been saying to them. While the Lord speaks through his Word, he also speaks to us through our brothers and sisters. So as we listen to others we need to open our hearts to hear the Lord’s voice speaking through them.
2. It is important that everyone in the group understands that this sharing is to build one another up and enrich our experience. It is not necessary that everyone agrees about what is shared. You need to be careful to avoid this time turning into a debate or argument. The Lord knows us each as individuals so will have different things to say to us personally at this specific point in our lives.
3. You can start with a simple question like “What catches your attention in this passage?” and use the printed questions. The aim is to help everyone feel comfortable to speak and share how the text has inspired them. Gently keep the group focused on the text and what God is saying.

ORATIO:
1. We suggest you give people time for personal silent prayer before God.
2. You can also give opportunity for people to pray out loud in their own words and use verses from the responsorial prayer. The aim should be to help each person make a personal response to the Lord during this time.

CONTEMPLATIO:
1. Contemplation by its very nature is an individual exercise and silence is necessary.
2. If you have room it may be helpful to suggest people move so they have their own ‘personal space’.

ACTIO:
1. Discuss the printed questions as a group. Brainstorm ideas and try to come to a consensus for a single action to be taken by the BEC/ small group.
2. See how certain action plans can be done personally.

Lectio Divina - 1/2

What is the Lectio Divina?

Lectio divina or divine reading is a dynamic, life-oriented approach to reading Holy Scriptures encouraged by both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. In our Archdiocese, Archbishop Murphy Pakiam is a strong advocate of promoting the practice of lectio divina among laity.

This year, our parish has chosen as our New Image of the Parish (NIP) theme, “The Bible, A Guide for our Steps, A Light for the World.” As a focus, we want to make the Bible, the Word of God the centre of our lives, and the basis of mission: building Community and Unity, Discipleship, Prayer, Service, and Witnessing.

We have chosen Lectio Divina as the main method for promoting the reading and praying of the Bible. Lectio Divina is a blessing for the entire Church as it opens up the rich truths of Scripture for every Christian. Through it believers are invited to read, understand and deepen their appreciation of the Scriptures and to seek guidance for their lives in the teaching of Jesus.

Our real goal is to meet our Lord as we read his Word and allow him to transform our lives to be more like him through the work of the Holy Spirit.

How do we do Lectio Divina?

A. PERSONAL PRAYER

LECTIO – READING
1. Reading the Scripture passage humbly and prayerfully. Do not rush.
2. So begin with a prayer and ask the Holy Spirit’s assistance
3. Read the passage slowly and carefully.
4. Avoid looking at the Lectio comments at this stage.
5. Have a notebook and pencil ready. Underline, or make a note of, any words or phrases that stand out to you. Write down any questions that occur to you.
6. Read the passage several times and read it aloud. Give yourself time to understand and appreciate what is being said.
7. Now read the Lectio comments and reflect on the ways they are similar or different to your first thoughts.

MEDITATIO – MEDITATION
1. We must approach Scripture in faith expecting God to speak to us.
2. Here are some suggested approaches you may find helpful.
• Use your imagination. Picture the passage; put yourself into the scene and become part of the story. See things through the eyes of the other characters, listen to what they say, watch their reactions, imagine how they feel. Keep coming back to Jesus. Get to know him, his words, his actions, the way he responds – everything about him.
• Ask questions. Use your own questions and the questions given to think more deeply about the passage and what God wants to say to you. Ask Jesus why he did and said what he did. Try to understand his mind. Allow time to be quiet, to listen and hear his answer.
• Let the Word be a mirror for you. As we read the Bible it shows us more of what the Christian life looks like and where ours needs to change. We see how God’s Word applies to our daily life, as an individual, and as part of our community and society. We will find promises and encouragement, challenges and demands.
• Take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your concerns, memories, and ideas. Do not be afraid of distractions.

ORATIO – PRAYER
1. Using the words of the responsorial psalm can help us but we can also use our own words to have a conversation with a very special friend.
2. We can bring what is happening in our own life and in our community before God.
3. We speak and listen, listen and reflect – it is a conversation with God.
4. Only if necessary, use the texts that is suggested in this guide.

CONTEMPLATIO – CONTEMPLATION:
1. We now move from active reflection which uses words and thoughts to a time of silent contemplation. It is like to persons in love who move from discussion to just silently appreciating each other’s company.
2. Imagine yourself falling into God’s embrace.
3. Few words are necessary here. Let go of words and images, or just stay with one word or one image.
4. Contemplation gives us the opportunity for an intimate time of communion with God. Be still before God and invite him in.
5. Enjoy time in his presence. Just be with him and let him love you. Let him refresh your soul.

ACTIO - ACTION
1. Prayer ultimately leads to action.
2. We will now ask the Holy Spirit to direct us in living out our prayer experience in our own personal life or in the community.

Review
After you have finished your time of reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation you may want to jot down in a notebook any experiences or thoughts that particularly impressed you. You may find it helpful to look back at these later.

Feast of St. Matthew, September 21

As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, we Catholics celebrate tomorrow the feast of a great evangelist, St. Matthew. Matthew the Evangelist (מתי/מתתיהו, "Gift of Yahweh", Standard Hebrew and Tiberian Hebrew: Mattay or Mattithyahu; Septuagint Greek: Ματθαίος, Matthaios, Modern Greek: Ματθαίος, Matthaíos), most often called Saint Matthew, is a Christian figure, and one of Jesus's Twelve Apostles. He is credited by tradition with writing the Gospel of Matthew, and is identified in that gospel as being the same person as Levi the publican (tax-collector).

Matthew the Evangelist is complex for a number of reasons. Both Epiphanius and Jerome state that Matthew wrote the Gospel according to the Hebrews. The gospel to bear the name "Matthew" was written anonymously, with tradition ascribing authorship to Matthew at a later date. Both the style of Greek used and the means of describing events leads a few to conclude that the author of the gospel was not a companion of the historic Jesus. Some use the designation "Matthew the Evangelist" to refer to the anonymous gospel author, and "Matthew the Apostle" to refer to the Biblical figure described. Christian tradition holds that they are the same person.

Matthew's depiction in the New Testament is likewise complex. In the gospels of Mark and Luke, as well as in the Acts of the Apostles, Matthew is mentioned without any title, identifier, descriptions, or actions. Virtually nothing besides his apostleship can be determined from these accounts, and he is not mentioned at all in the Gospel of John or subsequent epistles.

The Gospel of Matthew, on the other hand, names Matthew as the publican called by Jesus, whom the other gospels name "Levi". This gospel subsequently gives Matthew the title "the tax collector" in its list of the Twelve Apostles. Christian tradition holds that Matthew and Levi were, in fact, two names for the same person (similarly, tradition posits a "Jude Thaddeus" to reconcile the Jude of Luke and Acts with the Thaddeus of Matthew and Mark).

According to the tradition of the Catholic Church, St. Matthew is the author of the first Gospel. He was the son of Alpheus and was called to be an Apostle while sitting in the tax collectors place at Capernaum. Before his conversion he was a publican, i.e., a tax collector by profession.

His apostolic activity was at first restricted to the communities of Palestine. Nothing definite is known about his later life. There is a tradition that points to Ethiopia as his field of labor; other traditions mention of Parthia and Persia. It is uncertain whether he died a natural death or received the crown of martyrdom.

St. Matthew's Gospel was written to fill a sorely-felt want for his fellow countrymen, both believers and unbelievers. For the former, it served as a token of his regard and as an encouragement in the trial to come, especially the danger of falling back to Judaism; for the latter, it was designed to convince them that the Messiah had come in the person of Jesus, our Lord, in Whom all the promises of the Messianic Kingdom embracing all people had been fulfilled in a spiritual rather than in a carnal way: "My Kingdom is not of this world." His Gospel, then, answered the question put by the disciples of St. John the Baptist, "Are You He Who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

Writing for his countrymen of Palestine, St. Matthew composed his Gospel in his native Aramaic, the "Hebrew tongue" mentioned in the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. Soon afterward, about the time of the persecution of Herod Agrippa I in 42 AD, he took his departure for other lands.

Matthew is recognized as a Saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Lutheran and Anglican churches. His feast day is celebrated on 21 September in the West, 16 November in the East (for those churches which follow the traditional Julian Calendar, 16 November currently falls on 29 November of the modern Gregorian Calendar). He is also commemorated by the Orthodox, together with the other Apostles, on 30 June (13 July), the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles.

Like the other evangelists, Matthew is often depicted in Christian art with one of the four living creatures of Revelation 4:7. The one that accompanies him is in the form of a winged man.