"THE ELECTION OF MATTHIAS"

Monday, May 14, 2007 -- Mattthias, Apostle

Reading: Acts 1:15—17,20—26

Matthias was chosen to take the place of Judas. Have you ever wondered how Joseph Barsabas might have felt about not being chosen? St. John Chrysostom said that Joseph was not displeased, but that “he rejoiced in the Lord to see the preference given to Matthias.” Maybe that is what we should do when we lose an election in some club we might belong to, or don’t get an appoint-ment our heart is set on. Rejoice for the person who did get it.

Do you suppose it went to Matthias’ head that God had chosen him to occupy the vacant seat? It has also been said that his selection actually made him more humble. He realized that except for the grace of God he too could become like Judas, that he could easily fall into sin if he didn’t continually pray for strength to resist temptations towards worldly gain and public approval.

We must never allow ourselves to think we are better than any other person for any reason whatsoever. Without help from God, we call them graces, none of us stand the chance of ever finding ourselves in heaven with Matthias and Joseph Barsabas. Both of them were declared saints, you know, both of them came out winners from that election. Not because they were good, but because God was good to them.

Yes, they did cooperate with God and obey him, but who’s to say why? Is it not God who is the source and reason for all successful cooperation? Confusing, isn’t it? God offers us his help, then. helps us to cooperate with his help. May the graces of God be with you. They are! By the truck load.