May 14, 2015

The Ascension and St. Matthias

After the Ascension, there was a need to replace Judas Iscariot. Since the 12 apostles were chosen by Christ himself, now that he had ascended into heaven, how would they know whom he would choose?

In front of a congregation of about 120 believers, Peter, as head of the apostles, presents the situation and the qualifications of the replacement of Judas: he should be a disciple of Christ from the outset, that is from Christ’s baptism up to his ascension. The one to be chosen will serve as a witness to Christ’s resurrection. Barsabbas and Matthias were nominated. The congregation prayed for divine assistance since only the Lord knew what was in the heart of each member. They cast lots to know God’s will and the lot fell on Matthias. There were no solicitations or intrigues. No one presented himself as being qualified or worthy to fill in the vacancy since to do so would be a sign of self-conceit and pride. In order to assume this ministry, the candidate must first be called by God. It is not the fruit of worldly talents or human industry. The selection is the work of the Holy Spirit.

Eventually, the apostle Matthias preached on the coasts of the Caspian Sea (Georgia), Cappadocia and Jerusalem. One account says he was martyred in Colchis (Ethiopia), yet there is another account that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Like Matthias, let us be ardent workers of Christ, not seeking human glory or compensation. May our reward be the Lord himself who rewards us abundantly.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 3

<< Thursday, May 14, 2015 >>

St. Matthias

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
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Psalm 113:1-8

John 15:9-17
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REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

"May another take his office." —Acts 1:20

During this Pentecost novena, which begins tomorrow, we must replace our Judases with Matthiases. The apostles had spent nearly every day with Judas for about three years. After he sold Christ for thirty pieces of silver and then committed suicide, the apostles were probably traumatized, guilt-ridden, and confused. They had to deal with this catastrophe before they could receive the Holy Spirit of Pentecost. They had to replace the pain associated with Judas with the peace and healing associated with Matthias.

To receive the Holy Spirit this Pentecost, you too may have to replace the trauma of a divorce with the grace of forgiveness and healing. If you have been abused physically, emotionally, or sexually, you may need to replace your pain with the miracle of God's love.

Because of being hurt and rejected, we usually try to forget about the Judases who have walked away from our lives, but we must replace them. First, we must forgive our Judases. Then, we must ask the Lord to work all things together for our good (Rm 8:28) by replacing disgrace with grace. The miracle of Matthias precedes the miracle of Pentecost.

Prayer: Father, I take my pain to the cross and let the crucified Jesus heal and transform me.

Promise: "Consecrate them by means of truth — 'Your word is truth.' " —Jn 17:17

Praise: St. Matthias belonged to the "company" of disciples and apostles who followed Jesus from His baptism in the Jordan until the day of His ascension (Acts 1:21). Tradition holds that he even followed Jesus exactly in suffering crucifixion.