St. Matthias
Apostle, Witness to the Resurrection, Chosen to Complete the Twelve
📖 Life of St. Matthias
The first act of the apostles after the Ascension of Jesus was to find a replacement for Judas. With all the questions, doubts, and dangers facing them, they chose to focus their attention on finding a twelfth apostle. Twelve was a very important number to the Chosen People: twelve was the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. If the new Israel was to come from the disciples of Jesus, a twelfth apostle was needed.
Peter had one criterion: that, like Andrew, James, John, and himself, the new apostle be someone who had been a disciple from the very beginning, from his baptism by John until the Ascension. The reason for this was simple - the new apostle would must become a witness to Jesus' resurrection. He must have followed Jesus before anyone knew him, stayed with him when he made enemies, and believed in him when he spoke of the cross and of eating his body.
Two men fit this description -- Matthias and Joseph called Barsabbas. They knew that both these men had been with them and with Jesus through his whole ministry. But which one had the heart to become a witness to his resurrection? The apostles knew that only the Lord could know what was in the heart of each. They cast lots in order to discover God's will and Matthias was chosen.
That's the first we hear of Matthias in Scripture, and the last. Legends like the Acts of Andrew and Matthias testify to Matthias' enthusiastic embrace of all that being an apostle meant including evangelization, persecution, and death in the service of the Lord.
🌟 Legacy of St. Matthias: The Chosen Apostle
Spiritual Legacy
Clement of Alexandria says that Matthias, like all the other apostles, was not chosen by Jesus for what he already was, but for what Jesus foresaw he would become. He was elected not because he was worthy but because he would become worthy. Jesus chooses all of us in the same way.
Model of Divine Election
St. Matthias represents the mystery of divine election and the completion of God's plan. His selection through the casting of lots shows that God's will can be discerned through prayer and trust in divine providence, even when human reasoning cannot determine the best choice.
Witness to the Resurrection
As one who had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry, Matthias was uniquely qualified to be a witness to the resurrection. His life reminds us that true apostleship requires not just knowledge of Jesus, but intimate experience of his life, death, and resurrection.
Symbol of Completeness
Matthias completed the twelve apostles, symbolizing the completeness of the new Israel. His addition to the apostolic college shows that God's plan is never incomplete, and that He always provides what is needed for the fulfillment of His divine purposes.
📅 Feast Day
Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle
Liturgical Celebration
St. Matthias is celebrated on May 14th, a date that falls during the Easter season, fitting for one who was chosen to be a witness to the resurrection. This feast day reminds us of the importance of apostolic witness and the call to evangelization.
Traditions and Customs
On this day, many Catholics reflect on their own call to be witnesses to Christ and to complete whatever mission God has given them. It's also a day to pray for the grace to be chosen by God for His purposes, even when we feel unworthy or like latecomers.
Prayer and Devotion
The feast day is an excellent time to pray for the grace to become worthy of God's call, to be witnesses to the resurrection, and to embrace our role in completing God's plan for the Church.
🛡️ Patronage
Primary Patronages
- • Apostolic Witness: Patron of those called to witness to Christ
- • Divine Election: Patron of those chosen by God
- • Completion of Missions: Helper for finishing God's work
- • Latecomers: Patron of those who feel like afterthoughts
- • Community Integration: Helper for welcoming newcomers
- • Resurrection Witnesses: Patron of those who testify to new life
Special Intentions
- • Feeling Unworthy: Helper for those who doubt their calling
- • Group Acceptance: Patron of those seeking to belong
- • Divine Providence: Helper for trusting God's choices
- • Evangelization: Patron of spreading the Gospel
- • Perseverance: Helper for staying faithful through difficulties
- • Completing God's Plan: Patron of fulfilling divine purposes
🙏 Prayers
Prayer to St. Matthias
"Saint Matthias, pray that we may become worthy witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus in the way we live the eternal life we have right now. Help us to embrace our calling, even when we feel unworthy or like latecomers, and to trust in God's divine election for our lives.
Just as you were chosen to complete the twelve apostles, help us to complete whatever mission God has given us, and to be faithful witnesses to Christ's resurrection in our daily lives. Amen."
Short Prayer
"St. Matthias, pray for us!"
Related Saints
St. Peter
Prince of the Apostles who led the selection of Matthias to replace Judas among the twelve.
St. Andrew
One of the original apostles who was present when Matthias was chosen to complete the twelve.
St. John
Beloved apostle who witnessed the selection of Matthias and the completion of the apostolic college.