14 March 2022 Saint Matthias, Apostle
Then they prayed and said, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.’ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.
From Acts 1:15-17,20-26, NRSV
The first action of the apostles after Jesus’ ascension was to select a new apostle to replace Judas. This was important to them since the number twelve was symbolic of completion as represented by the twelve tribes of Israel. Peter set out the criteria by which this new apostle was to be chosen – he had to be someone who had been with the apostles since the time when John was baptising until the day of the Ascension. Crucially, the new apostle would need to be someone who had witnessed the Resurrection. Two candidates, Joseph (Barsabbas) and Matthias were nominated. Peter then led the congregation in prayer asking for guidance over the selection, and Matthias was duly elected. Clement of Alexandria said that Matthias, like all the other apostles, was not chosen 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.
- How do you suppose Matthias would have reacted to his selection?
- What part does prayer play in guiding the appointment of leaders within our churches ?
Take the opportunities that arise to welcome any newcomers into your family, church or wider community.
