The Replacement Apostle!

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26; Jn 15: 9-17

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Matthias, apostle.

It is an interesting detail that St. Matthias eventually became known as the ‘replacement apostle’ as he filled in the place of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus.

Why was it so important to replace Judas Iscariot? 

As we know, number twelve has a profound biblical significance. We understand that the twelve apostles correspond to the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament, thus forming the new People of God in the New Testament. In Judas’ absence, the apostolic circle needed to be complete. The election of Matthias restores number twelve symbolism.

Nevertheless, Matthias cannot be brushed aside as a mere symbolic addition to the team of apostles, as he fits in with all the criteria that Peter sets down for someone to become an apostle. In other words, Matthias was not some random addition but a deliberate choice who accompanied Jesus ‘the whole time’ and became a witness to the Lord’s resurrection. 

What is more, when the names are kept in prayer, the Lord reveals who belongs to the fold. The ancient practice (modern as well!) of casting lots signified a complete surrender to Divine providence. In other words, the first reading lets us see the hand of God in the election of St. Matthias.

Matthias remains silent in Scripture. No words or miracles are attributed to his name in the New Testament. But this invisibility of Matthias never takes away the fact that he was an apostle, willed and chosen by God to fill the place of someone who failed Him. In this sense, the vocation of Matthias is highly significant. 

Going by the first reading, we find the vocation of Matthias leaving behind some inspiring lessons for Christian life.

1. Peter’s words help us understand that Christianity is a lived experience and not some abstract idea unrelated to the lives of disciples. Though not named up until his election, Matthias accompanied the Lord faithfully ‘from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up’ from them. Thus, Matthias was a witness to Christ’s resurrection. In other words, Matthias related with the Lord and turned his relationship into a convincing testimony. 

2. Our Christian vocation comes from God. If God had not willed it, we would not have been part of His fold. The election of Matthias happened only after a meticulous evaluation, prayer and discernment, and finally, God’s approval. In other words, Matthias was chosen by God, and he responded to it. By accompanying the Lord the entire time, Matthias had already revealed his willingness, and he would now continue it after being named as His apostle. 

3. The life of Matthias becomes an example of the fact that holiness in Christian life need not be measured by visibility and outward success. The fact that no word or miracle has been attributed to Matthias does not say anything about his hidden fidelity and sacrifices. For the disciples of Christ, what is more important is not that we are seen and praised by others but that we remain faithful to God, though unrecognized. Matthias shows that our reward is in God. 

Let us pray that we may faithfully accompany the Lord in prayer and life so that we may offer a powerful testimony to the Lord’s name, just as St. Matthias did. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar