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One of the Twelve
“You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two
you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from
which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave
lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted
with the Eleven Apostles. Acts 1:24–26
Matthias, the saint we honor today, was named an Apostle to replace
Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus and hanged himself.
Matthias was likely from Galilee and had followed Jesus from the
beginning of His public ministry. After Judas’ death, Peter led the
approximately 120 disciples in selecting Matthias through prayer
and casting lots, ensuring the Apostles once again numbered twelve.
This election occurred before Pentecost, so Matthias received the
Holy Spirit alongside the other Apostles, affirming the Twelve as
the foundational body of the Church.
Matthias’ selection is profoundly important for two primary
reasons. First, by being counted along with the other eleven
Apostles, the group once again numbered twelve. Though there are
thousands of bishops today, the foundation began with twelve. Once
they received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and began their
apostolic ministries, their number grew as the Church expanded.
Nonetheless, the foundation remained, symbolizing the Twelve Tribes
of Israel and uniting the New Testament Church with the Old
Covenant.
Second, Matthias’ election establishes a biblical foundation for
apostolic succession, one of the four marks of the Church: “I
believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church” (Nicene
Creed). By proclaiming the Church as “one,” we affirm that there is
only one Church—“the one Church of Christ” (Vatican II, Lumen
Gentium 8). While not all are visible members of this one
Church, all who are united to Christ in a state of grace are part
of His one Body. Nonetheless, “This Church, constituted and
organized in the world as a society, subsists in the Catholic
Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the
Bishops in communion with him” (LG 8).
The Church is “holy” because she is united to Christ, her divine
Head, who is all-holy. As members of this Church, we are sanctified
by Christ’s grace, the sacraments, and the indwelling of the Holy
Spirit that enable us to grow in holiness and reflect the sanctity
of God Himself.
The word “catholic” in the Creed is written in lowercase because it
does not refer specifically to the Roman Catholic Church as an
institution but to the broader meaning of the word “catholic,”
which means “universal.” The one Church is universal in scope and
mission, welcoming all people. It is the responsibility of the
Church’s members to share the Gospel with every person, seeking to
draw all into full communion with the one visible Body of
Christ.
Finally, the Church is “apostolic,” which is especially celebrated
in today’s Feast of Saint Matthias. Every bishop alive today, every
bishop in the past, and every bishop yet to be ordained until the
end of time takes his episcopal roots from the Twelve Apostles,
including Matthias, who received the Holy Spirit at
Pentecost.
According to various traditions, the Apostle Matthias engaged in
missionary activity in regions such as Cappadocia (modern-day
Turkey), the Caspian Sea area (modern-day Georgia), and possibly as
far south as Sudan and Ethiopia. He is believed to have died a
martyr, either by crucifixion, stoning, or beheading. Though we do
not know who succeeded him, we can be certain that he not only
spread the Gospel and celebrated the Sacraments, but also ordained
others to serve as apostles within the communities he helped to
establish.
As we honor Saint Matthias today, reflect on God’s eternal wisdom
in establishing the Church. God did not merely give us a set of
rules to follow; He gave us a Church—His one Church—and entrusted
His authority to sinful men who act in His name and convey His
grace. Rejoice that you are a member of the Catholic Church, in
which Christ’s Church subsists. Pray not only for the mission of
the Church, but also for those entrusted with apostolic
responsibilities, passed on to them from the Twelve Apostles.
Saint Matthias, you were counted among the Twelve and became an
essential participant in the foundation of the Church. Through your
apostolic ministry, you spread the Gospel far and wide, bringing
grace and truth to those you were sent to serve. Please pray for me
and for the entire Church, that we may always remain one, holy,
catholic, and apostolic, so that the Gospel will continue to be
spread to the ends of the earth. Saint Matthias, pray for me.
Jesus, I trust in You.
Image: School Giusepe Ribera de lo Spagnoletta: St. Matthias
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