FRIDAY, February 24 Saint Matthias the Apostle

John 15:1, 6-16. You are my friends if you do what I command you.

Saint Matthias was an apostle. Although he was elected after Jesus’ death, he had accompanied Jesus from the beginning. In the Book of Acts, Peter told the gathering, “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection” (Acts 1:21-22).

Peter says that the person to be chosen should have received all the teachings of Jesus from the beginning, in order to give witness to the resurrection. We see here the first step of what later would be called apostolic tradition. It’s important that there be a connection, link by link, in the chain connecting Jesus with his followers. Jesus wanted his disciples to remain united with him in truth and in spirit to convey his message down through the ages.

The history of the church demonstrates that we have not always been faithful to that message. In the pursuit of our own interests, we have often forgotten Christ’s love and compassion.

PRAY for the Diocese of Badagary - (Lagos, Nigeria)

Ps 15; Acts 1:15-26; Philippians 3:13-21

View the daily Lectionary Readings at http://satucket.com/lectionary/

Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Replacing Judas

Feb 24, 2012 at 6:40 am

Written by Charles R. Hurst, MD,

Matthias was not totally selected by voting, but by the casting of lots, gambling. A better selection would have been the clear-cut chosing of Mary Magdalene. She was the honored one who was the first to announce the Resurrection. How different the church would have been!?
Charles R. Hurst MD, author of "Religion, "An Accident of Birth"

...

Feb 24, 2012 at 7:31 am

Written by Gail J in N.C.,

The book “Holy Women, Holy Men” says this (and other things) about Matthias :
“Nothing further is told of Matthias after his selection. According to tradition he was exemplary Apostle, but we know nothing more. Matthias seems an appropriate example to Christians of one whose faithful companionship with Jesus qualifies him to be a suitable witness to the resurrection, and whose service is unheralded and unsung.”

And I mean to be one too!

The REAL New 12th!

Feb 24, 2012 at 10:27 am

Written by Mary C.,

And what the eleven evidently had no glimmer of was that someone who had NOT been with Jesus from the beginning, who wasn't even with them yet at that time, was going to be one of the most important apostles of all! You know whom I mean!

...

Feb 24, 2012 at 10:43 am

Written by Jennifer,

Thanks, Charles. Today's meditation does a good job speaking for one stream of tradition -- the usually-credited line of apostolic succession, which does traditionally ignore Magdalene's work and authority to tell the story...but she told it anyways (or where would we be!). Apostola apostolorum "How different would the church have been?" I think it already is. Bothersome as it is on one level that Mary is excluded from some channels of authority that consider themselves solely official, I don't think that's the last or only word on what "the church" is. Look at the number of female co-workers Paul had...look at who was hosting so many of the early church gatherings in their homes. Work done "unsung" -- like Gail's wonderful meditation on Matthias.

To me it is worth remembering that like Paul, Mary received her commission directly from the Risen Christ himself. There is the official line of apostolic succession, certainly...but never think that God has only one way of accomplishing God's purposes for the world!

Don't Get it Yet - Please Help!

Feb 25, 2012 at 8:05 am

Written by Elizabeth,

I have read and re-read this meditation and just don't get how that last paragraph's reference to love and compassion ties to the discussion. Would love to read your thoughts. Thanks.

...

Feb 25, 2012 at 11:32 am

Written by Jennifer,

Wouldn't want to put words in the author's mouth, but to me the connection between the last paragraph's "love and compassion" and the rest of the meditation -- which is about keeping continuity and proclaiming Jesus' teaching as accurately as possible -- is the reminder that love and compassion ARE Jesus' message. Recall what Jesus said when asked what the most important things for us to do were: love God and love our neighbour. Author is correct to state that despite our earnest strivings to 'get it right' and keep an unbroken line of people passing along Christ's teachings correctly (what a great excuse to argue amongst ourselves!), we still sometimes get it wrong and forget what we're really supposed to be doing: practicing love! : )

Hope this helps.

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