A wonderful reminder to serve God in all we do and wherever we may be
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Matthias (May 14, 2020): ACTS 1:15-17,20-26; PS 113:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8; JN 15:9-17
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
Today’s Gospel gives us Jesus’ words reminding His followers to keep the commandments and remain in His love.
St. Matthias, whom we venerate today, is only mentioned once in Scriptures, in the Acts of the Apostles. After Jesus ascended to heaven and before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost, the eleven remaining Apostles met with other faithful disciples. At the urging of St. Peter, they decided to select someone among their number who had followed Christ during His travels and witnessed His life, death and resurrection. Two men were proposed and Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas who had betrayed Jesus. We have no more specific knowledge of where St. Matthias went and what he did. However, it is generally thought that he went to preach along the Caspian Sea and throughout Asia Minor, now known as Turkey. He is traditionally believed to have been a martyr for the faith.
Today’s Gospel gives us Jesus’ words reminding His followers to keep the commandments and remain in His love. “I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from My Father. It was not You who chose Me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. This I command you: love one another” (John 15:15-17). St. Matthias and the other Apostles and early disciples heard our Redeemer tell them in many ways and at many times about the profound significance of love. Like them, we are now called to share the love of God with all we meet. Through our lives we have the opportunity to reveal Christ’s immeasurable mercy wherever we are, day by day.
Suggested missionary action: Let us resolve to share the Gospel of Christ with all the people who are part of our lives through what we say and do. And let us pray for and support all who spread His message of love around the world.
