Love can take us to places and situations we might not choose for ourselves
Reflections on the readings for the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle (May 14, 2019): 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
On this feast of St. Matthias we celebrate an Apostle who, unlike the others, was not directly chosen by Jesus.
Instead, Matthias, who was one of our Lord’s many followers, was picked after the death of the Judas, who betrayed Jesus, so that there would again be Twelve. Like the rest of the Apostles, he was a person who believed in Christ and who embraced the hope of salvation. Moreover, he understood that the love of God for His people demanded that we share His love with one another – no matter the cost. “Jesus said to His disciples: ‘As the Father loves Me, so I love you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love’” (John 15:9-10).
St. Matthias could have told Peter and that early group of Christians that he preferred to keep his faith in Jesus to himself and stay at home. Instead, he agreed to this calling. He journeyed far and wide to proclaim that God’s mercy meant the salvation of all who trust in His Son. According to tradition, St. Matthias became a martyr in the name of our Savior, possibly on the shore of the Black Sea.
Suggested missionary action: We can ask St. Matthias to intercede for all of us who take on a job or volunteer position that may lead to unexpected places. We can also ask him to help us do our best in fulfilling God’s will.
