Feast of the Apostle

According to the Acts of the Apostles, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve.  His selection by lot, following a time of prayer, indicates the desire of the apostles that the replacement for Judas be chosen by the Lord and not themselves.  There are no further references to Matthias in the New Testament. Various traditions suggest that he preached in Judaea, Cappadocia and Ethiopia before martyrdom.

In the first reading (Acts 1:15-17, 20-26) we hear of the choosing of Matthias “Having nominated two candidates, Joseph known as Barsabbas, whose surname was Justus, and Matthias, they prayed, ‘Lord, you can read everyone’s heart show us therefore which of these two you have chosen to take over this ministry and apostolate, which Judas abandoned to go to his proper place.”  They then drew lots for them, and as the lot fell to Matthias, he was listed as one of the twelve apostles.”

In the Gospel from John (15:9-17) we hear that the disciple is one who is chosen and sent “You did not choose me, no, I chose you; and commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last”.