St. Matthias
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen.”
Chosen by prayer and lot to replace Judas, Matthias became a witness to Christ’s Resurrection and a member of the Twelve.
The story
Nearly everything known with certainty about Matthias comes from the Acts of the Apostles. After the Ascension of Jesus, about 120 disciples gathered in Jerusalem. Peter explained that someone should take the place left vacant by Judas Iscariot. The restored number of the Twelve would bear witness to Christ and signify the renewed people of God.
Peter stated that the candidate had to be a man who had accompanied Jesus’ followers from the baptism of John until the Ascension. Such a person could testify to the whole public ministry of Jesus and especially to his Resurrection. The community proposed two qualified men: Joseph called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias. Scripture provides no earlier personal details about either candidate.
The disciples prayed because they believed that Christ himself must choose his apostle. They then cast lots, an ancient method of entrusting a decision to God after proper human discernment. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. His selection took place between the Ascension and Pentecost. He therefore belonged to the restored apostolic body that received the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the Gospel to the nations.
Later traditions send Matthias to Judea, Cappadocia, lands near the Caspian Sea, or Ethiopia. Accounts of his death variously describe stoning, beheading, or another form of martyrdom. These traditions conflict, so neither his field of mission nor the manner and place of his death can be established historically. Relics attributed to him are honored in Rome and Trier, but their history is also uncertain. Matthias was not canonized through a later papal process. His status as a saint rests on his place among the apostles and the Church’s ancient universal veneration. The Roman Rite celebrates his feast on May 14.
What Matthias teaches
Matthias teaches that Christian ministry begins with fidelity, communal discernment, and prayer. The apostles received a unique mission as witnesses of the Resurrection, while their pastoral office continues through their successors, as explained in CCC 860.
Patronage
those seeking guidance, people beginning new ministries, carpenters, reformed alcoholics.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you chose St. Matthias to share the ministry of the apostles. Through his intercession, give us faithful hearts, guide our decisions, and make us courageous witnesses to your Resurrection. Amen.