Matthew-Levi, the son of Alpheus, we are told
that you were a tax-gatherer at Capharnaum,
who collected custom duties for Herod Antipas.
We learn that although you were a Jew,
you were despised by the Pharisees,
because you were a publican.

Summoned by Jesus, you followed Him and honored Him
with a feast in your house, where tax-gatherers and sinners sat at table with Christ and His disciples.

When this called forth criticism from the Pharisees Jesus defended you, saying,
"I came not to call the just alone,
but sinners as well."

Apostle Matthew, host to the Christ,
please invite me, a sinner,
to feast in heaven with you.

Please guard me daily against temptation,
and implore our Lord to forgive me
and keep me from greed and avarice.
Let me never make money and riches my god.

Bar me always from too much attachment to the world.
Help me always to pay my tribute to Our Lord God
and to willingly leave all earthly things behind.

All this I pray in confidence to you, good Matthew
Gospel writer and servant of Our Lord Jesus.

Amen