(+64). After the ascension of our Lord, St Peter proposed that the disciples select an apostle in the place of Judas. The choice was Matthias, who joined the eleven apostles. He worked for the Faith in , and later was stoned to death. Today we are reminded that our Christian vocation is a gratuitous gift of God. We should correspond with fidelity and gratitude.
Table of the Word:
First Reading: Acts 1:15–17, 20–26
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113:1–8
Gospel: John 15:9–17
Theme: You did not choose me, but I chose you...
Reflection:
God right from time immemorial has drawn salvific plan for humanity, every now and then He made choices, choices beyond human standard and calculation. As we can see in the Prophecy of Jeremiah: "Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:4–5 )
This powerful verse reminds us that God’s knowledge and purpose for each person begins before birth. It beautifully supports the idea of divine calling and mission, just like in the case St. Matthias, whom we celebrate today as he is being chosen to take part in the apostolic ministry.
In today's first reading, we witness the early Church prayerfully discerning who will take the place of Judas among the apostles. This is not merely a matter of replacing someone, but of restoring the integrity and mission of the Twelve. The qualifications for the new apostle are clear: he must have been with Jesus from the beginning and be a witness to the resurrection. After prayer and casting lots, Matthias is chosen. His selection reminds us that God calls whom He wills, often quietly, and often for a mission greater than one might expect (cf. Acts 1:15–17, 20–26)
The Gospel pericope on the other hand presents before us an account ofcour Lord's teaching on the mind of God when He said: “You did not choose me, but I chose you.l” (John 15). These words echo loudly today in our reflection. Like Matthias, we too are chosen, not by chance, but by divine love to go and bear fruit. The call to discipleship is rooted in love, grounded in obedience, and directed toward mission.
To buttress this Divine invitation, the Psalmist acers: “He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113) Matthias’ elevation from an ordinary follower to an apostle is a powerful illustration of how God lifts up the humble.
Even though St. Matthias isn’t mentioned often in Scripture, today’s readings reveal something profound: he was chosen by God, not just by the apostles. The lot may have fallen to him, but it was divine providence that called him to this unique mission. And that call didn’t begin in the upper room, it began in the heart of God, from his mother’s womb as we see in the words of Prophet Jeremiah.
Finally, this powerful scebatmrio of choosing Matthias reminds us that God’s knowledge and purpose for each person begins before birth. It beautifully supports the idea of divine calling and mission. Let us therefore appreciate in love our calls from God into any facets of life. Let us not misuse the opportunity given to us like Judas, else the judgement: "Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and 'His office let another take." will be passed. + May the Lord bless His Words in our heart both now and forevermore. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 14052025
Weldone Fr. Pius for the simplified reflections
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