THE FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS, THE APOSTLE: Acts 1:15-17.20-26, Jn 15:9-17.

THE FEAST OF ST MATTHIAS, THE APOSTLE: Acts 1:15-17.20-26, Jn 15:9-17.

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Matthias, the Apostle. Today's first reading presents us with the selection of two men who qualified to fill in the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot in the college of Apostles: Barsabbas and Matthias. Peter and the other Apostles decided to choose from among those who had been with the Lord since the beginning, to be the one to replace Judas Iscariot. After prayer and deliberation by the disciples, lots were drawn and the lots fell on Matthias. According to Apostolic traditions, Matthias was indeed among the first disciples of the Lord. He followed Him right from the beginning of His ministry that began with the Lord’s baptism and followed Him through to the end and beyond. Like other Apostles, Matthias went to many distant places proclaiming the goodnews of God, the Gospel of salvation to whom he encountered. According to traditions, Matthias went to the region of Cappadocia in Asia Minor, region of Colchis in Georgia in the Caucasus and as far as Ethiopia.

Thus, Matthias was sent out to bear witness to the Lord Jesus and minister to those who need to be reassured of God’s love. Since we profess in the Nicene Creed that we believe in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, it means that we are called also to “go out”, to be an “Apostle” and bear witness, to become a “martyr”, of the Lord Jesus by being helper to those who need care from us. In today’s Gospel, Jesus invites us to remain in His love if we love Him. He told us to love one another just as He has loved us. The Lord enjoins us to be His witnesses as He has shown us His love and truth. By His love, we become His disciples and we are called to show the same love to others. We are called to love one another and not just loving ourselves only. This is not something that is easily done, as we tend to be selfish more than selfless, but this is exactly why we need to challenge our ego and selfishness. The story of Matthias should serve as an inspiration to us on how we ought to be faithful in how we live our lives that we may truly glorify God by our actions and deeds, by our words and interactions with one another.

May the Lord enlighten and guide us through our trials and keep us away from sin! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!

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