ACTS 1:15-17, 20-26; PSALM 113; JOHN 15:9-17
There is no mention of a Matthias among the lists of disciples or followers of Jesus in the three synoptic gospels, but according to Acts, he had been with Jesus from his baptism until his Ascension. However, the first reading speaks of the election of Matthias as one of the Twelve to replace Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus Christ. Two men were nominated by the assembly but Matthias was chosen. This choice was not just human but divine. In the gospel Jesus says “You did not choose me: no, I chose you; and I commissioned you to go out and to bear fruit, fruit that will last”. How do we make the divine choice? The first reading says that the Apostles prayed. If we must make the divine choice we must pray. Without prayer there is every possibility to choose wrongly and regret our choice. Again, when Matthias was chosen he accepted the office. Beloved, do you give excuses?
LET US PRAY
O God, who assigned Saint Matthias a place in the college of Apostles, grant us, through his intercession, that, rejoicing at how your love has been allotted to us, we may merit to be numbered among the elect. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
