A reading from the Acts of the Apostles 1:15-17, 20-26
Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms:
Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it. and: May another take his office.
Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “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.
REFLECTION: "... witness to his resurrection."
There were more than the twelve apostles that travelled with Jesus. Many references are made about the crowd. We have learned that the replacement for Judas was one who was with them all the time. Most important that he had witnessed the resurrection, where Jesus defeats death and His resurrected body walked with them.
Jesus was so compelling that many left their homes, families and jobs to be with Him. And after witnessing the Resurrection they helped form the first Christian community. The eleven apostles prayed over the decision to whom would succeed Judas.
There are so many quiet souls and saints who we will never know by name who have spread the Word. They believed in Jesus and in their fervor lived the love of God and would do anything for Him. The quiet and unseen can get so much accomplished.
May we, PAPA, be a good witness to the Resurrected Jesus.
God Bless You
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