Access daily Mass readings, meditations and articles, as well as special resources, by becoming a subscriber or logging in. Subscribers: Please log in to view the Mass readings. Not a subscriber? Subscribe for only $12 (Save $4). . . . become with us a witness to his resurrection. (Acts 1:22) Who was St. Matthias? Chosen by lot, this disciple took the place of Judas, who had betrayed Jesus. In fact, today’s account of his selection is the only reference to Matthias in all of Scripture, so we don’t know much about him. But we do know that Matthias, whose feast we celebrate today, had been a disciple since Jesus’ baptism, and that made him uniquely qualified to bear “witness to his resurrection” (Acts 1:22). After praying, the apostles chose Matthias to become one of the Twelve, fulfilling the Scripture: “May another take his office” (Psalm 109:8; Acts 1:20). This completion was important because, just as the twelve tribes were the foundation of Israel, there should be twelve apostles who could play a founding role in the Church. Like Peter and the others, Matthias’ witness would help bridge the gap between the time when people knew the historical Jesus and the age of the Church. He would join the others who had followed Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, witnessed his crucifixion, and “ate and drank with him after he rose” (Acts 10:41). Once the Holy Spirit came, they were filled with power and proclaimed the risen Christ. Their bold witness, along with the grace of the Spirit, moved thousands to believe in Jesus, to accept Baptism, and to become the next generation of witnesses. In Baptism, you, too, were filled with the Spirit and called to bear witness to Jesus. You’re not an apostle like Matthias, but the word “apostle” means “one who is sent,” and you have been sent by God. You can testify to the new, resurrected life you have experienced! How has Jesus changed your life? Has he freed you from guilt? Has he helped you to love someone? Do you have a new confidence in prayer? All of these demonstrate the power of the resurrection! So look for a chance to share these stories. They are your witness to the risen Lord! “Holy Spirit, help me to proclaim the good news of Jesus’ resurrection!”Saint Matthias, Apostle (Feast)
DAILY MASS READINGS AVAILABLE WITH A SUBSCRIPTION
Daily Meditation: Acts1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17