I chose you from the world,
to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord. JN 15:16
ACTS 1:15-17, 20-26
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
The Church has always been guided by the Holy Spirit in matters of faith and morals. She looks to both Sacred Scripture and to Sacred Tradition to inspire her just as Peter and the Apostles did. Their number had to be 12 - a number that represented the 12 tribes of Israel and since Judas Iscariot's place was left vacant due to his treachery, prompted by the prophecy in the psalm they chose another by lot and Matthias was elected as one of the 12.
Matthias, whose feast the Church celebrates today, was a disciple who knew You and followed You from the baptism of John the Baptist. He was a witness to Your resurrection and ascension into heaven. He joins the ranks of the elect because Your favor rested on him.
PSALM 113:1-8
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
We often see people who scramble for places of prominence whether or not they are qualified. They do all in their power to ensure that they have a seat because they enjoy the prestige, the influence, and the visibility it gives them. This is pride.
Genuine servants are always aware of the need to seek Your will in all things. They are always ready to serve promptly when called and they do so with humility. They do what is required when asked and make their talents available for the benefit of all.
Genuine servants are people of intense prayer. They are united to You, their gaze is fixed on You, and Your Holy Spirit leads and guides them in all things.
You generally choose the little ones, the poor, those who know that without You they are nothing. They care not if You raise them up to be seated among princes and kings or are given the lowliest place - to do Your will is all they desire. It is to such as these that You entrust Your greatest work.
JOHN 15:9-17
My Beloved, Soul of my soul,
Serenity in all things is the hallmark of a true servant of God.
Nothing much is known of the Apostle Matthias except that he was chosen after Judas' Iscariot's betrayal as the 12th Apostle. This very silence about him is compelling just as the silence of St. Joseph is powerful and compelling. But this we know, he was Your choice and so we can be sure that he was worthy to be counted among the Twelve.
My Beloved, give me genuine humility so I may go wherever You lead. No matter how small the service I am called to render daily, let me do it with joy, seeking nothing more than to please You in all things. Amen.
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