Full NRSV Sunday texts

Monday, September 21st, 2026

St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist - HD (Red)

Readings
PROVERBS 3:1-6 OR 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17; PSALM 119:33-40; MATTHEW 9:9-13

Collect
Almighty God,
who through your Son
called Matthew to be your apostle and evangelist,
free us from all greed and selfish love,
that we may follow in the steps of Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.

First Reading
A READING FROM THE BOOK OF PROVERBS
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favour and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
PROVERBS 3:1-6

Or

A READING FROM THE SECOND LETTER OF PAUL TO TIMOTHY
As for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

Psalm
REFRAIN Instruct me in your statutes, O Lord.

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end.

Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; I shall keep it with all my heart. R

Make me go in the path of your commandments, for that is my desire.

Incline my heart to your decrees and not to unjust gain. R

Turn my eyes from watching what is worthless; give me life in your ways.

Fulfil your promise to your servant, which you make to those who fear you. R

Turn away the reproach which I dread, because your judgements are good.

Behold, I long for your commandments; in your righteousness preserve my life. R
PSALM 119:33-40

Gospel
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MATTHEW
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when he heard this, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners."
MATTHEW 9:9-13

Prayer over the Gifts
Father,
accept all we offer you this day.
Guide us with your love
as you nourish the faith of the Church
by the preaching of your apostles.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer After Communion
God of mercy and compassion,
we have shared the joy of salvation
that Matthew knew when Jesus called him.
May this food renew our life in him
who came not to call the righteous
but sinners to salvation in his kingdom,
your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.