"Gift of Yahweh"

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17, 20-26 ~~~ Psalm 113 ~~~ John 15:9-17 ~~~

Matthias was not one of the original apostles hand picked by Jesus.

He was, however, a faithful follower and an avid believer.

He was one of about seventy disciples who had been

 with Jesus from the beginning.

If it not for this feast day we 

might not even pay attention to Matthias.

Matthias was discerned, thus chosen,

 by God to fill the position held by Judas.

The name Matthias means "gift of Yahweh".

It seems Matthias won the lottery, as lots were drawn for him.

Very little was historically recorded about Matthias. 

We can safely surmise that 

he went about preaching the gospel of Jesus.

One may wonder why Peter felt the need to replace Judas.

The Bible footnote points out the significance of the number twelve.

The number twelve was associated with the twelve tribes of Israel.

Tradition tells us that Matthias, was the one who climbed up into the tree

 to get a better look at Jesus.

He was also called Zacchaeus. 

Jesus invites himself to dine in the home of Zacchaeus.

Following this dinner meeting, he gave half of his belongings

 to Jesus and became a believer. 

Matthias was chosen by God to be named one of the apostles

 because he turned away for his corrupt ways.

He chose to enter into the circle of influence surrounding Jesus

and he was filled with grace.

Matthias was stoned to death for blasphemy.

We too can chose to enter into this circle surrounding Jesus.

We can open ourselves to be changed by Jesus.

We can experience the fullness of his grace.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you

Jesus speaks these words to each of us today

just as when Matthias was chosen to be one of the Apostles.

Every day Jesus chooses you to be with him...

to receive his graces...

to reside in his circle of Blessings.

~~~ Peace ~~~