To mature manhood

“And he gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ.” (EPH 4: 11-13)

“Mature manhood” literally means “a perfect man” or possibly “the one new person.” We are going to this “mature manhood” together; we need each other and all kinds of vocations “to equip the holy ones,” “until we all attain to the unity of faith.” Everyone with his or her unique vocation can help me to grow and to mature “for building [me] up [in] the Body of Christ.” Our maturity lies in our likeness to Our Lord,like St. Matthew, who started as a tax collector and finished as an Apostle and Evangelist following Jesus.

“We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.” (Gospel Acclamation)