Matthias, Apostle and Martyr, First Century

Our only certain knowledge of Matthias comes from the Acts of the Apostles. After the Ascension, Peter stated that they should pick a successor to Judas Iscariot to fulfill the Scripture. Peter said, “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 he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” [Acts 2:21-22] The apostles selected Joseph Barsabbus and Matthias as candidates and prayed for guidance before drawing lots. Matthias was selected.

Tradition handed down by the great historians of the early Church, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius, and St. Jerome, tell us that Matthias first preached in Judea then moved on to Cappadocia and to the shores of the Caspian Sea where he planted the faith. He is said to have suffered great persecutions and was martyred in Colchis.

St. Matthias is the patron of carpenters and tailors. A Feast honors this apostle on May 14.

Matthias' message today: Although he was a disciple of Jesus throughout most of his ministry, Matthias had no idea that he might be selected as one of the twelve after Jesus ascended into heaven. We, too, have no idea what God may have in store for us, so we must live our lives anticipating that we may be called at any time.

• Are you ready to answer God's call? Have you been living the kind of life that Jesus has asked to live so that you may join him in heaven?