The feast of St. Matthias

Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26     John 15: 9-17

Theme: Faithful discipleship

Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Matthias, an Apostle. He was the person chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. One thing that was clear about his selection is the fact that he remained steadfast and faithful to Jesus, from the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. After the Apostles cast lots for him and Justus, he was chosen, and he remained faithful until the end of his life. This is one of the wonderful attributes that is expected from all of us as followers of Christ in our daily lives. It is important that we don’t allow our situation in life to determine the quality of our discipleship. We see how Matthias remained steadfast until the very end of his life. This is an invitation to all of us that are Christians in our own time. God has a way of rewarding our faithfulness to his mission here on earth.

However, one thing we must be mindful of, is the fact that there is always a price for us to pay at one point or the other in our call to discipleship. No matter how hard we try, we cannot run away completely from such challenges and difficulties in our journey of faith. This is very clear in the life of Jesus and in the lives of all those who declared for Christ, just like St. Matthias whose feast the church celebrates today. Our source of strength should always be that no matter the situation we find ourselves because of our call to discipleship, God will never desert us or allow us to go through the situation on our own. He will always be by our side to support us through that situation. Sometimes he sends men and women who will speak on our behalf, just like we read in the scriptures. Always draw strength from this fact, each time you are faced with a difficult situation, because of your option for Christ.

In the gospel reading from St. John, Jesus tells us that if we want to abide in his love, then we must keep his commandments. This commandment in rooted in God’s love for humanity, and he is encouraging us to go out and spread this love in the lives of all those who encounter us in our journey of faith. If we give love a chance in our daily lives, we will be able to bear fruits for the kingdom of God, that will stand the test of time. This is the same love that was practiced by St. Matthias whose feast we celebrate today, that is why he willingly gave up his life for his faith in God. May the Lord grant us the grace to live a life of love, in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.