Matthew, for his Christening

Many have told about Christ, says Saint Luke.
Believers heard Elders and Fathers who spoke,
But of these only four the Church claims inspired,
Of whom Matthew most loved and his reading required.
His Gospel is like a cathedral supreme
With columns and choir for the mysteries seen,
From the soaring porch where the Child is portrayed
To the table of Sacrifice and Resurrection proclaimed.
So many actions and sayings we find,
A harvest abundant enriching our mind.
Matthew knew well the things he would write
For many had happened within his own sight.
He left behind money and answered the call
And wrote down the life of Christ Lord of All.
He wrote us a book that God’s wonders has shown,
No more was he Levy as he had been known.
His Gospel inspired a great treasure became,
And Matthew God-given was now his new name.
The names of the holy in Scripture abound
But none more pure Hebrew than Matthew is found.
Surrounded by music of angelic band,
He wrote the Good News with God-guided hand.
John baptized in Jordan with water from Hermon,
Cleansing of sin and then preaching a sermon.
But Jesus gave the Spirit, to be seen as a flame,
To his loving disciples when together they came,
Made us sons of God, of a Father we love,
Sons for eternity with life from above.
In the centuries before, the prophets did dream
Of the Kingdom of Christ, who now could be seen.
In this church of Byblos many infants have been
Washed in the font and their souls rendered clean.
Saint Matthew the Author this child will embrace
And we make a feast for the baptismal grace.
A Nuncio from France whose love we all feel
Has been spreading the Word with fervent zeal.
From France he comes whose history glowed
With warmth for the Maronites and the care that it showed.
He will pour water and say holy prayer,
Making Matthew God’s son and under his care.
The christening in Byblos will give him the grace
To see God in his Heaven full face to face,
Anointed with chrism like king who is crowned,
This son with his mother and sisters around
Is carried with joy amidst candle and flower
While we sing in triumph at this holy hour.
This human symbol has a meaning most great,
For he enters the Church by the pastoral gate,
In Byblos the cradle of writing and thought,
Of ocean adventure and sciences taught.
In this church of Our Lady the baptismal rite
Gives grace to the soul and clothes it with light.
We look on this child and see its eyes shine
With new light acquired and new life divine.

Joseph Matar
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Translated from French: K. J. Mortimer