Discovering the Apostle Matthias: His Call, Mission, and Legacy

The early morning rays of the sun peeked over the Jerusalem skyline as a man named Matthias gazed over the landscape. This moment was significant for him. He was about to embark on a journey that would change his and many others' lives forever.

Table of Contents

The Call of Matthias

Matthias wasn’t an original member of the twelve apostles. He only came into the picture after the unfortunate event of the betrayal and subsequent suicide of Judas Iscariot. But Matthias was not just a random selection. He was among those who had followed Jesus from the start, witnessing His miracles, teachings, and resurrection.

"Then they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, '

Lord, who knows everyone’s heart, show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry'."

(Acts 1:23-24).

God chose Matthias, and thus he became an integral part of the Apostolic College, carrying forth the divine mission.

The Mission & Ministry of Matthias

Historical evidence about Matthias's life and ministry is sparse, but certain church traditions provide insight into his apostolic role. After his appointment, Matthias was said to have spread the Gospel to Damascus, Ethiopia, and eventually Macedonia.

Anecdote: A Miraculous Moment with Matthias

According to the Synaxarion, there was an instance when Matthias was preaching in a city, inhabited by cannibals. These people didn’t merely refuse to listen to his words but captured him, intending to sacrifice him to their idols. Matthias, unfazed by their threats, remained steadfast in prayer. As a result, a miraculous event occurred. An earthquake shook the city, causing great fear among the inhabitants. Recognizing this as divine intervention, they released Matthias unharmed and began to listen to his teachings.

The Legacy of Matthias

Despite the limited historical accounts, the legacy of Matthias is profound. As a witness to the entire life and resurrection of Jesus, he brought authentic testimony, courage, and faith to his ministry. His appointment as an apostle also assures us that God's plans can never be thwarted by human failings.

As Saint John Chrysostom says, "

It was not we who chose Him. He is the one who chose us

". The election of Matthias enriches this statement by marking the seamless continuity of the Church - From Christ to the Apostles and to the Church today.

Praying with Matthias

We now turn to Matthias in prayer, seeking his powerful intercession.

St. Matthias, you were chosen by the discerning heart of God. Guide us also in our vocations and decisions, leading us towards the path God desires for us. Help us remain faithful witnesses to Christ in our own lives, spreading His message of love and salvation. St. Matthias, pray for us. Amen.

Emulating Matthias in Today’s World

The life of Matthias encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, no matter the circumstances or challenges. Just like Matthias, we are all called to bear witness to Christ in our lives. He wasn’t an influential figure, yet he was chosen. Similarly, regardless of our status or background, we all have a role in the divine plan.

While Matthias's ministry is shrouded in mystery, he serves as a beacon of hope and perseverance to each one of us. The narrative of Matthias tells us that God calls each of us uniquely, and all are important in building His Kingdom.

As we reflect upon the life of Matthias, we are reminded that sometimes, the least known figures can impart the most meaningful lessons. A spark of intrigue lingers as we delve deeper into the lives of the saints, much like the early morning rays of sun that sparked Matthias's apostolic journey—an everlasting journey etched in the annals of our faith, meant to inspire, guide, and draw us closer to our Divine Master.

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What did Matthias do in the Bible?

Saint Matthias is a significant figure in the Bible, known for having been chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas' betrayal of Jesus and subsequent demise. Matthias's story is principally told in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.

Is Matthew and Matthias the same name?

No, Matthew and Matthias are not the same in the context of Catholic Saints.

Matthew, also referred to as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Before his call by Jesus, he worked as a tax collector. He is typically recognized as the author of the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four Gospels in the New Testament detailing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after Judas' betrayal of Jesus and subsequent death. His election as an apostle is detailed in the Book of Acts (Chapter 1, Verse 26) in the New Testament.

Even though their names may seem alike, they refer to different individuals in the Bible and hold unique roles in Christian history.

Was Matthias chosen by Jesus?

No, Saint Matthias was not chosen directly by Jesus. After the Ascension of Jesus, Matthias was chosen by the remaining eleven apostles as Judas Iscariot's replacement. This process was done through prayer and casting lots, a method seen many times in the Old Testament for discerning God's will, according to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:15-26). This makes Matthias unique, as he is the only apostle not chosen directly by Jesus, but rather by the apostles themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Despite this, Matthias is still considered a full Apostle of the Church, with a Feast Day honored on May 14th.

Who chose Matthias to replace Judas?

After the betrayal and subsequent death of Judas Iscariot, it was left to the remaining eleven Apostles to select a replacement. After careful deliberation and prayer, the Apostles cast lots and Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. This important choice is detailed in the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Bible. Thus, the Apostles chose Matthias through divine guidance, affirming their belief that the decision was inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Who was Saint Matthias and what is his significance in Catholicism?

Saint Matthias was one of the original twelve apostles chosen by Jesus Christ, and he is of great importance in Catholicism.

In the New Testament's Book of Acts (1:21-26), it was revealed that after the betrayal and subsequent death of Judas Iscariot, there arose a need to replace him in order to maintain the number of apostles at twelve. Therefore, **Saint Matthias was chosen to replace Judas**, following the guidelines given by Saint Peter that the new apostle should be someone who had been with them from the time of Jesus' baptism by John until His ascension to heaven.

Saint Matthias was said to be one of the disciples who offered deep spiritual insights after the resurrection of Christ and was known for his preaching of repentance.

Matthias' apostleship holds great significance in Christianity, and particularly in Catholicism, because he was the first example of apostolic succession - a key doctrine in the Catholic Church. This doctrine holds that the ministry of the Christian church began with the apostles and continues through their successors in an unbroken line. Hence, his apostleship symbolizes the continuity and legitimacy of the Church.

There is not much detailed information about his evangelistic journeys, but tradition suggests that he preached the Gospel in Judea, Ethiopia and possibly in Armenia. He is said to have met his martyrdom either by stoning or by beheading.

The feast day of Saint Matthias is celebrated on May 14th (in the western church) and August 9th (in the eastern church). He is often portrayed with the symbol of an axe, in reference to his martyrdom, and he is the patron saint of carpenters, tailors, those suffering from smallpox, and alcoholics in recovery.

How did Matthias become an apostle according to Catholic tradition?

According to Catholic tradition, Matthias was selected as an apostle after the betrayal and subsequent death of Judas Iscariot. After Jesus Ascension into heaven, Peter, recognizing the need to maintain the number of apostles at twelve, proposed that they should choose someone who had been with them from the beginning of Jesus' ministry and witnessed His Resurrection.

The disciples proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. They prayed and then cast lots. The lot fell to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles. This momentous event is recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (1:23-26).

Thus, Matthias became the 12th Apostle, taking the former place of Judas. He faithfully served the Church and is believed to have preached in many places, enduring great trials and hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Ultimately, according to tradition, Matthias was martyred for his faith. His feast day in the Catholic Church is celebrated on May 14th.

What are some notable miracles or events associated with Saint Matthias in Catholic hagiography?

Saint Matthias, who was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus Christ, is a somewhat mysterious figure in Catholic hagiography. Despite this, there are some key events and miracles associated with him.

Appointment by Lot: One of the most notable events surrounding Saint Matthias is his selection as an apostle. According to Acts 1:23-26, after Judas' death, the remaining eleven apostles sought to fill the vacancy. Two men were nominated: Joseph called Barsabbas (whose surname was Justus), and Matthias. They prayed, asking God to reveal whom He had chosen of the two. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias, who was then numbered with the eleven apostles.

Preaching in Jerusalem and Judea: Though the Bible doesn't specifically detail Matthias's deeds following his appointment, tradition holds that he was an ardent preacher, spreading the Gospel in Jerusalem and Judea. His commitment to spreading the Word of God is a testament of his faith and piety.

Martyrdom: Saint Matthias is often regarded as a martyr, though details surrounding his death aren't clear. Some accounts suggest that he was stoned to death in Jerusalem; others indicate he was beheaded.

While no specific miracles are attributed to Saint Matthias in the New Testament or early Christian writings, his very appointment to the apostleship might be considered miraculous, given it was guided by divine intervention through casting lots. As an apostle, he would have carried out the works of Jesus, including healing the sick and spreading the good news of salvation. These deeds, though not individually documented for Matthias, could be seen as miraculous within the context of his mission.

How is Saint Matthias celebrated in the Catholic Church, and on what day?

Saint Matthias is celebrated in the Catholic Church with a feast day, known as the Feast of Saint Matthias. This feast day takes place annually on May 14th. On this day, Catholics around the world participate in special liturgy and prayers dedicated to Saint Matthias.

The activities may also include readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of John, which both contain references to Saint Matthias. Some churches may also hold special services or processions in his honor.

Saint Matthias is recognized for being chosen as the replacement for Judas Iscariot, becoming one of the Twelve Apostles. His story is seen as one of faithfulness, patience, and divine calling. During his feast day, the Church honors his commitment to carrying on the work of Jesus, spreading the gospel, and his martyrdom.

It is also a tradition in some cultures to donate to charities or do acts of service on this day, as a way to honor Saint Matthias' life of servitude and devotion to Christ's teachings.

What lessons or messages can be drawn from the life and work of Saint Matthias as per Catholic interpretation?

The life of **Saint Matthias** offers significant lessons and messages for Catholics today.

Firstly, as Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal of Jesus, he exemplifies the value of **faithfulness and patience**. He was not among the original twelve apostles but was one of the larger group of disciples who followed Jesus from the early days of his ministry. He waited patiently and continued to serve faithfully even when not in a prominent position. Thus, Saint Matthias teaches us about the importance of steadfastness in faith and humble service.

Secondly, the story of Matthias reminds us that **God's plans often exceed human understanding**. The other apostles might not have initially considered Matthias as a candidate for their inner circle, but God had a different plan, one unknown to human beings. This message can bring comfort to those who feel overlooked or undervalued, reminding them that each person has a unique role and purpose in God's plan.

Thirdly, Saint Matthias' story draws attention to the concept of **God's justice**. The apostle he replaced, Judas, betrayed Jesus for personal gain. In contrast, Matthias, who remained loyal and steadfast, was rewarded with the high honor of apostleship. This shows that God values integrity and faithfulness, and rewards these virtues accordingly.

Lastly, Saint Matthias' life is a testament to the power of **prayer and discernment**. The apostles prayed before making the decision about who should replace Judas, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. This emphasizes the Catholic teaching of seeking God's direction in important decisions through prayer.

In conclusion, the life or work of Saint Matthias epitomizes **faithfulness, patience, trust in God's plan, the pursuit of justice, and the power of prayer**. These are not only valuable lessons for Catholics but also universal principles that can guide people's lives.