Chosen to Bear Fruit: Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
May 14, 2025 Chosen to Bear Fruit: Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle On May 14, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Matthias, the Apostle chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot. While Matthias is one of the lesser-known Apostles, his story offers profound insight into vocation, humility, and divine election. A Quiet Witness Called to Greatness In the first reading (Acts 1:15–26), Peter addresses a group of believers and explains the need to replace Judas, who had abandoned his apostolic ministry. The qualification for Judas’s successor? Someone who had been with Jesus from the baptism of John until His Ascension—someone who had quietly followed, learned, and witnessed everything, even if not named among the Twelve. Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias. After prayer, the community cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. This wasn’t chance—it was a discernment wrapped in prayer and trust in God’s providence. Matthias didn’t campaign, push, or posture. He was simply present, faithful, and ready. Chosen to Bear Fruit The Gospel reading from John (15:9–17) offers the perfect complement. Jesus tells His disciples: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.” This line captures the essence of Matthias’s call. Though he wasn’t part of the original Twelve, he was still chosen—not by human appointment, but by divine design. The fruit of his life wasn’t measured by fame, but by fidelity to Christ’s mission. Matthias reminds us that discipleship is not about prominence, but perseverance. A Lesson in Love and Friendship Jesus also tells His disciples, “I no longer call you slaves…I have called you friends.” Saint Matthias stepped into his new role not merely as a functionary, but as a friend of Christ—chosen to continue His mission of love, unity, and truth. This Feast day is a call for all of us to examine how we remain in Christ’s love and how we respond to His call to bear fruit. Like Matthias, we may feel unnoticed or on the margins, but the Lord sees, knows, and calls us in His perfect time. Prayer for Today Lord Jesus, You chose Saint Matthias to take the place of Judas and bear lasting fruit as Your Apostle. Help me to be faithful in the hidden places of life, trusting that You see me, love me, and have a purpose for me. Let my life be rooted in Your love and fruitful for Your Kingdom. Amen. Explore Our Latest Articles Chosen to Bear Fruit: Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle May 14, 2025 Latest Articles May 14, 2025 Chosen to Bear Fruit: Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle On May 14, the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Matthias, the Apostle chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot. While Matthias is one of the lesser-known Apostles, his story offers profound insight into vocation, humility, and… Read More Antioch and the Voice of the Shepherd – Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter May 13, 2025 Latest Articles May 13, 2025 Antioch and the Voice of the Shepherd – Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter As persecution scattered the early believers, the Gospel spread in unexpected directions. What began as sorrow—the martyrdom of Stephen—became the seed of evangelization across Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch… Read More God Makes All Things Clean: The Gate of Abundant Life May 12, 2025 Latest Articles May 12, 2025 God Makes All Things Clean: The Gate of Abundant Life In today’s readings, we witness two pivotal moments of revelation—one through the vision given to Peter, and the other through the voice of Jesus proclaiming Himself as the gate for the sheep. At their core, both passages confront… Read More The Voice of the Shepherd: Eternal Life and Light to the Nations – Fourth Sunday of Easter Reflection May 11, 2025 Latest Articles May 11, 2025 The Voice of the Shepherd: Eternal Life and Light to the Nations – Fourth Sunday of Easter Reflection On this Fourth Sunday of Easter—often called Good Shepherd Sunday—we are drawn into the heart of Christian identity: listening to the voice of Jesus, the Shepherd, and following Him to… Read More Tabitha Arises and the Words of Eternal Life May 10, 2025 Latest Articles May 10, 2025 Tabitha Arises and the Words of Eternal Life The early Church, blossoming across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, was at peace—comforted by the Holy Spirit and grounded in holy reverence. In this atmosphere of quiet growth, Peter’s ministry took a dramatic turn toward miracles that not only… Read More Did You Pray Today? Daily prayer is a powerful way to strengthen your faith, find peace, and invite God’s presence into your life. Even a few moments of prayer can bring clarity, comfort, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are starting your day, taking a break, or preparing for sleep, these short yet meaningful prayers help you stay connected to God. Take a moment now to pray: The Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,as we forgive those who trespass against us;and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. The Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. A Daily Habit of Prayer: These prayers take less than a minute, yet they bring us closer to God each day. Keep prayer at the center of your life and experience His love and guidance. Walking in Faith, Growing in Grace Every day is an opportunity to