Today February 24

Today is the traditional feast of St. Matthias (First century), apostle. The only reliable information we have on him is found in the Acts of the Apostles. He was a follower of Jesus from the time of His Baptism to the Pentecost and was one of the candidates (along with Joseph called Barsabus and nicknamed "the Just") to take the place of Judas. The apostles prayed to God to direct their choice and chose by casting lots (sort of akin to rolling dice). Cool. Wouldn't it be something if God could show us so dramatically in all such choices? But the time of all that is over. Instead it falls on us to do research and to use reason, though we still do pray. And I do believe that in decisions that are still unclear, God will enlighten you with a deep and persistent feeling in your heart. That, of course, implies a morally neutral choice, because it is assumed one's conscience is well-informed!

And this apostle, whose name means "given by God" was indeed a gift for the new church. He stressed over and over the importance of self-denial in controlling the flesh, a lesson he learned from Jesus Himself, and one he practiced as well as preached. He started in Judea and made his way to Cappadocia as far as the Caspian Sea. He spread the Faith wherever he went. He died in Colchis, we're not sure how, but possibly by crucifixion. His body was returned to Jerusalem and from there (in the 300s) to Rome. Dear St. Matthias, pray for us.