St. Mathias, Apostle (Feast)
Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26 John 15: 9-17
Theme: The quality of discipleship
Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Mathias, an Apostle. He was the Apostle that was chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot, after the prayers of the Apostles. He was among those who were with Jesus from the very beginning and journeyed with them. Just like the other Apostles of Jesus except John, he was also martyred, that is why the red colour of vestment is used, instead of the usual white for the Eastertide. These men willingly gave everything because of their faith in God, including their lives. They zealously preached the good news of Christ from place to place and did not allow the oppositions and persecution they encountered in their missionary journey to discourage them from carrying out their mission. The saint whose feast we celebrate today paid the cost of discipleship, and was given the crown of unfading glory, that is why today we celebrate him in the church. The life of St. Mathias is a challenge to Christians in our own time, an invitation that we must take seriously as individuals and as a group.
The quality of the discipleship of our Ancestors in faith is worthy of emulation. Taking into consideration the fact that they willingly gave up their lives because of their faith in God. This brings me to a very important question today, what is the quality of your discipleship as a child of God, and to what extent are you willing to go for your faith in Christ? One thing we must understand is that there is a price every one of us must pay, if we truly want to be followers of Christ. This fact is seen in the life of Jesus Christ and his followers. They encountered difficulties and persecutions because the way of God challenges the way of the world, and most people are not ready to accept that challenge in their lives. The situation has not really changed in our own time, just that things are done differently now.
Dear friends in Christ, we are all encouraged today to emulate saint Mathias in our call to discipleship and be ready to do that which truly represent Christ in everything that we do, for the greater glory of God and for our own good. Never think you cannot do it; the grace of God will accompany every effort you make. May almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.