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Wednesday, May 14, 2008

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St. Matthias


Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113
John 15:9-17

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are you choose-able?

"They then drew lots between the two men." —Acts 1:26

Matthias was chosen as an apostle to replace Judas. Joseph was not chosen; he was passed over. Have you ever been passed over for a job promotion, turned down for a prettier girl or handsomer guy, or lost out to your sibling for a parent's attention? Then what do you do?

All we know about Joseph is the following:

  • Joseph followed Jesus wherever He went (Acts 1:21).
  • Joseph was faithful over the long haul. He stayed in the company of the disciples from beginning to end (Acts 1:22).
  • Joseph did not seek honors for himself; he was nominated by the others (Acts 1:23).
  • Joseph was such a powerful, faithful disciple that he was worthy of being considered for apostleship.
  • Joseph joined the leaders and Matthias in humbly seeking God's will (Acts 1:24) regarding who was to be chosen.
  • Joseph was ready to serve God if he was chosen.

After Matthias was chosen, we hear no more about Joseph. However, it's likely that Joseph responded to not being chosen by living the same faithful, committed life as always. Joseph may not have been chosen, but he was choose-able.

Like Joseph, we can be faithful slaves of God, "each of [us] doing only what the Lord assigned" us (1 Cor 3:5). Even if we are passed over for some position or favor, we are always chosen and precious in the sight of God (1 Pt 2:4, RNAB). Choose to stay faithful, thankful, and humble.

Prayer:  Father, I am Your servant. Do with me as You will. I will serve you with gladness in whatever way You choose (Ps

Promise:  100:2). "He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor." —Ps 113:7

Praise:  True to the mission of Jesus, St. Matthias was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

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