The Year of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew, a magnificent literary work describes the power and importance of Jesus' words. Constantly assuring his Jewish audience that Jesus came to fulfill the Law, not abolish it, but in every instance Jesus pronounces a law with higher expectation and responsibility, the New Law with a new set of commandments: The Beatitudes.The Year of Matthew is intended as a study guide and aide for Homilies, Pastoral and Educational program, or the arm chair theologian to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of our time, and the direction that is found in this Gospel.In a time of social and political upheaval, income inequality, massive immigration and refugees, increasing impacts of climate change, Matthew reminds us two things: Blessed are the Poor, and don't be like the Pharisees and hypocrites.Who are the poor? Who are the hypocrites? To whom are we giving power?