ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE
Acts 1:15–17, 20–26; PSALM 113; John 15:9–17
None of the three synoptic gospels mentions Matthias among the lists of disciples or followers of Jesus, but according to the Acts of the Apostles, he was with Jesus from his baptism until his ascension. To uncover his personality, the first reading (Acts 1:15-26) speaks of the election of Matthias as one of the Twelve, who was elected to replace Judas Iscariot.
In this election, 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” (John 15:16). I’m every ordination; it’s God who calls and chooses.
How do we choose in line with God’s plan? 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 the choice we make.
Jesus prayed before choosing his disciples (Luke 6:12–13). In addition to prayer, we must meditate, discern, seek counsel, be patient, study God’s word, and trust in the Lord. (Cf. Ps. 32:8, ps. 143:8, prov. 3:5-6, prov. 16:3, Is 30:21, Phil. 4:6-7, and James 1:5)
Again, when Matthias was chosen, he accepted the office. It is a common syndrome today to see parishioners run away from offices. When it comes to elections, only a few are interested and ready to serve, while some run away from commitments; others feel such offices are not juicy enough for their status. May God help us.
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 Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
