Matthias, who had accompanied the apostles during all the time.

Refers to the specific, stringent qualifications set by the Apostle Peter.

for a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. 

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

It was during this time

That Peter stood up in the midst of the community, about one hundred and twenty in all, and he said,

"Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures referring to Judas be fulfilled.

The Holy Spirit had spoken through David about the one who would lead the crowd coming to arrest Jesus.

He was one of our number and had been called to share our common ministry.

 

In the Book of Psalms, it is written: Let his house become deserted and may no one live in it.

But it is also written: May another take his office. Therefore,

we must choose someone from among those who were with us during all the time that the Lord

Jesus moved about with us, beginning with John's baptism until the day when Jesus was taken away from us.

One of these has to become, with us, a witness to his resurrection."

 

Then they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias.

They prayed: "You know, Lord, what is in the hearts of all. Show us,

therefore, which of the two you have chosen to replace Judas in this apostolic ministry

which he deserted to go to the place he deserved."

Then they drew lots between the two and the choice fell on

Matthias who was added to the eleven apostles.

 

Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

John 15:9-17

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love!

You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments,

just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

 

I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.

This is my commandment: Love one another as I have loved you!

There is no greater love than this, to give one's life for one's friends;

and you are my friends, if you do what I command you.

 

I shall not call you servants any more,

because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead,

I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father.

You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is my command, that you love one another.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

The mission to love God and his people.

There isn't much to say about Matthias, but one thing is certain:

he was qualified to replace Judas as an Apostle. According to the first reading,

the qualification was "to be someone who had accompanied the apostles during all the time

that the Lord Jesus went in and out among them." This is what we celebrate about St. Matthias:

his experience of being with Jesus. This is what made him holy.It's not only about being with the Lord,

 

but also about witnessing that experience. Holiness involves not just that mystical,

highly spiritual encounter with God; it also requires loving one another, as the Gospel reminds us today.

Matthias was genuinely close to Jesus during his journey on earth,

but that closeness must translate into the mission to love God and his people.

May we all find inspiration today to translate our relationship with God into action,

mission, and love for one another.