Fr Richard's words for the Feast of St Matthias, the Apostle
Listen, observe, love
St Matthias was chosen by the Lord to replace Judas as the
twelfth apostle because of his faithfulness to Christ. St Peter told the
meeting of the apostles that they must choose someone who was with them right
from when John was baptising up until the Ascension. They prayerfully asked the
Lord to show them who it was who was to join their number – and the Lord guided
them decisively to Matthias.
We can use our imagination to picture Matthias’ fidelity to
Christ in stark contrast to the betrayal of Judas. Judas was in the “inner
circle” around Jesus throughout His public ministry. And yet, despite being in closer
‘physical’ proximity, his heart was far from embracing our Lord and Saviour.
Matthias, in comparison, isn’t mentioned at all in the Gospels. He is silent. And
yet, from a distance, perhaps the ‘outer-circle’ of Jesus’ followers, he
listens to every word the God-man says. He quietly observes the miracles Jesus
performs. Like Mary, he sees and listens to all that Jesus preaches and does - and
ponders it in his heart. Matthias is the faithful and unassuming follower of Christ.
Because of his humility, he is chosen to be a witness to the Resurrection, one
of the twelve foundation stones of our holy mother, the Church.
Matthias both observed and listened, leading him to love. He
listened attentively to Jesus’ preaching; he was convinced and transformed by the
Lord’s saving actions. He came to love the Son of God, the source of love, who
loved him tenderly. By his encounter with Christ, Matthias was able to carry
out Jesus’ commandment in today’s Gospel to “love one another, as I have loved
you.” The apostle loved by bringing the saving message of Christ to, by
tradition, the Cappadocian people. In the end, he showed “no greater love” than
by laying down his life for Christ in martyrdom.
May we follow the path of Matthias. May we quietly and humbly
observe, listen and love Christ – yes, even if it comes to it, by laying down
our lives for our friends.
No comments:
Post a Comment