St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist - Hope Cemetery Prayer Service

Ebbo Gospel (Matthew) (Artist unknown) 3'4" x 1'5" Mosaic, Carolingian Renaissance c. 830 AD, France

Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.

Though scholars remain undecided about several aspects concerning this longest of the gospels which for centuries held pride of place in the Church’s teaching and life, mainstream scriptural interpreters place this gospel’s composition towards the end of the first century (80–90 AD), possibly in a mixed Jewish-Gentile community such as was found at Antioch in Syria.

Matthew’s is the gospel of the risen, cosmic Christ.

The Messiah, son of Abraham, son of David, Son of Man, Son of God, who fulfills all messianic expectations through the cosmic event of his death and resurrection, is present in the reading or proclamation of the gospel (“for where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” [18.20]).

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O God, who with untold mercy were pleased to choose as an Apostle Saint Matthew, the tax collector, grant that, sustained by his example and intercession, we may merit to hold firm in following you. Through our Lord.

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COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED AT HOPE CEMETERY

Sunday afternoon was a lovely, bright and sunny day. Traffic was chaotic because of the marathon, observances of the Battle of Britain, construction rerouting around the new Convention Centre on Colonel By, regular Sunday closures and road work just about everywhere.

Still a large throng came to visit the tombs and mausolea and to pray for our beloved dead.

Emotions are mixed as one greets those who have recently lost a love one, but also very consoling as we share our faith and hope in the resurrection.

Herewith some photos (courtesy of Garry Bourgeois):