Word to the Wise
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - May 14 - St. Matthias, Apostle
[Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 and John 15:9-17]"You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven apostles. [Acts]
It was important to the apostles that the number 12 be preserved because it symbolized the original twelve tribes of Israel and the church was beginning to see itself as a "new Israel." The New American Bible translation, sponsored by the American bishops and used in all the liturgical books in the USA, always capitalizes "the Twelve," which has the effect of emphasizing the original apostolic mission. The criterion for choosing the two candidates was their presence from the beginning of Jesus' ministry among the larger group of disciples.
What may be of more than passing interest is the method of discernment: "lots." Was it dice or straws to be pulled? The title of "apostle" would be claimed by St. Paul and given also to St. Barnabas, but membership in the Twelve was exclusive! The choices made for "successors to the apostles" - the bishops of the church - are the product of considerably more detailed discernment nowadays but, in the end, they remain human and their role is as heavy as those liturgical vestments they wear!
We don't know much about St. Matthias beyond the story of his being chosen, but we celebrate the apostles as the foundation of the Church and write his name on one of the stones today. [Rev. 21:14]. AMEN