Are you bearing fruit in your call as a disciple of Jesus? - Daily Reflections May 14,2015

THE LUCKY ONE   Today is Matthias’ lucky day. He was chosen as the Apostle who would replace Judas Iscariot who committed suicide. We see the effects of Jesus’ words at the Last Supper taking place in the life of Matthias — “You did not choose me, I chose you!”        Matthias is a mystery to us. The little we know about him is implicit in Peter’s remarks with regard to choosing the replacement of Judas. Among the 120 people, Matthias was chosen by the Lord Jesus to continue His ministry of preaching and teaching. Stories say that Matthias died a martyr’s death, but where He died, opinions differ. Matthias is unique among the Twelve Apostles since he was not chosen by Jesus like the others. However, after the ascension, in order to complete the ancient writings, the lot fell upon Matthias.        Matthias’ story teaches us the mystery of God’s choice on our lives. Out of nowhere, he was included in the Twelve and ranked among the Apostles of Jesus.        God is wonderful. We look at our lives and think how God chooses us — we are weak and sinful. We don’t offer Him much, but God looks at a heart that is full of passion to serve Him. Only God knows the heart. We judge by what we see externally.        Matthias’ story reminds us that God is compassionate and chooses whom He wills and when He wills. Matthias must have felt blessed by this choice. Let us thank God today for choosing us. So many do not know Him and have not heard that there is a Savior. We do. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you bearing fruit in your call as a disciple of Jesus?   Thank You for choosing me, Lord, as one of Your friends. Amen.