DAILY- HOMILY

May 14, 2015 THURSDAY, 6TH Week of Easter

ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle

Feast, Red       

    

Acts 1: 15 – 17, 20 – 26 / Jn 15: 9 - 17 

[St. Matthias (d. 64) was chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot as an Apostle.  He worked in Palestine and was stoned to death.]

Reading: Acts 1: 15 – 17, 20 – 26

     It was during this time that Peter stood up in the midst of the community – about one hundred and twenty in all –and he said,

     "Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures referring to Judas be fulfilled. The Holy Spirit had spoken through David about the one who would lead the crowd coming to arrest Jesus. He was one of our number and had been called to share our common ministry.

     In the book of Psalms it is written: Let his house become deserted and may no one live in it. But it is also written: May another take his office. Therefore we must choose someone from among those who were with us during all the time that the Lord Jesus moved about with us, beginning with John's baptism until the day when Jesus was taken away from us. One of these has to become, with us, a witness to his resurrection."

     Then they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias. They prayed: "You know, Lord, what is in the hearts of all. Show us, therefore, which of the two you have chosen to replace Judas in this apostolic ministry which he deserted to go to the place he deserved."

     Then they drew lots between the two and the choice fell on Matthias who was added to the eleven apostles.

Gospel: Jn 15: 9 - 17     

     Jesus said to his disciples, As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

     "I have told you all this, that my own joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.  This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this, to give one's life for one's friends; and you are my friends if you do what I command you. 

     "I shall not call you servants anymore, because servants do not know what their master is about. Instead I have called you friends, since I have made known to you everything I learned from my Father. 

     "You did not choose me; it was I who chose you and sent you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. And everything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. This is my command, that you love one another."

     

Reflection:

     After the Ascension, there was a need to replace Judas Iscariot. Since the 12 apostles were chosen by Christ himself, now that he had ascended into heaven, how would they know whom he would choose? 

     In front of a congregation of about 120 believers, Peter, as head of the apostles, presents the situation and the qualifications of the replacement of Judas:  he should be a disciple of Christ from the outset, that is from Christ's baptism up to his ascension. The one to be chosen will serve as a witness to Christ's resurrection.  Barsabbas and Matthias were nominated. The congregation prayed for divine assistance since only the Lord knew what was in the heart of each member. They cast lots to know God's will and the lot fell on Matthias. There were no solicitations or intrigues.  No one presented himself as being qualified or worthy to fill in the vacancy since to do so would be a sign of self-conceit and pride. In order to assume this ministry, the candidate must first be called by God. It is not the fruit of worldly talents or human industry. The selection is the work of the Holy Spirit.     

     Eventually, the apostle Matthias preached on the coasts of the Caspian Sea (Georgia), Cappadocia and Jerusalem. One account says he was martyred in Colchis (Ethiopia), yet there is another account that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem. Like Matthias, let us be ardent workers of Christ, not seeking human glory or compensation. May our reward be the Lord himself who rewards us abundantly.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER DIARY INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY

     GERALDO ZABAT

THANKSGIVING

     MILA CHENG & FAMILY

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     MICHAEL LIM SOON (AUG 8, 1959 – MAY 14, 2013)

     ORTIGA ANTHONIO V)

OTHER INTENTIONS:

For the healing & speedy recovery of Ely Ymbang, who has fluids in his right lung and a mass in his clavicle area.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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