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Apostle. As he could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, he was
chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. Preached the Gospel for more than 30
years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. Remembered for preaching
the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sensual and
irregular desires. Martyr.
Died
stoned to death at Colchis in 80 AD; some relics in the abatical church of
Triers, others in Saint Mary Major in Rome
Name Meaning
gift of Yahweh (Mattithiah)
Patronage
alcoholism, carpenters, diocese of Great Falls-Billings Montana, reformed
alcoholics, smallpox, tailors
Reading
"In those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said..."
As the fiery spirit to whom the flock was entrusted by Christ and as the
leader in the band of the apostles, Peter always took the initiative in
speaking: "My brothers, we must choose from among our number." He left the
decision to the whole body, at once augmenting the honor of those elected
and avoiding any suspicion of partiality.
Did not Peter then have the right to make the choice himself? Certainly he
had the right, but he did not want to give the appearance of showing
special favor to anyone. "And they nominated two," we read, "Joseph, who
was called Barsabbas and surnamed Justus, and Matthias." He himself did
not nominate them; all present did. But it was he who brought the issue
forward, pointing out that it was not his own idea but had been suggested
to him by a scriptural prophecy.
And they all prayed together, saying: "You, Lord, know the hearts of men;
make your choice known to us. You, not we." Appropriately they said that
he knew the hearts of men, because the choice was to be made by him, not
by others.
They spoke with such confidence, because someone had to be appointed. They
did not say "choose" but "make known to us" the chosen one; "the one you
choose," they said, fully aware that everything was being preordained by
God.
from a homily on the Acts of the Apostles by Saint John Chrysostom
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