Chosen in Different Ways

As the legend goes, a pastor of the inner-city St. Matthias Parish received a complaint from a disgruntled parishioner about the parish's upcoming summer festival, which included raffles and small games of chance. The parishioner barked out: "How dare the Church participate in such activities!" With a tinkle in his eye, the old priest responded: "Sir, the namesake of our parish was chosen by a game of chance. I think we'll be just fine."

Saint Matthias: Apostle 

I'm not sure the veracity of the above-mentioned story. However, what is true is the fact that Saint Matthias was indeed chosen by casting lots to replace the deceased Judas Iscariot. The remaining eleven apostles felt called to replace Judas with somebody who had followed Jesus from the beginning of his ministry. And not only that, the apostles wanted this twelfth member to have experienced and witnessed the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

From this criteria, two men were nominated: Justus and Matthias. Ultimately, after a brief prayer and the drawing of lots, Matthias was chosen as Judas' replacement.

On this feast of the apostle Matthias, we celebrate his role as witness, apostle, and martyr. We also recall on this day that our Christian faith is not limited and confined to one historical moment or one specific group. Rather, faith in the resurrection of Christ is always handed on to each succeeding generation.

Still, there is always one last detail that seems to be glossed over on this feast day: what about Justus? We don't hear much about him after his second-place finish to Matthias. But maybe that's exactly the point.

Even though Justus was not given a place of apostolic leadership, we can presume that he nevertheless continued with his principle ministry of preaching faith in Christ Jesus. Even though Justus may have experienced some embarrassment of not being chosen as apostle, he still remained faithful to Christ. Justus did not focus on himself, but on his mission of sharing the good news of the crucified and risen Lord.

Saint Justus: Chosen Not to Lead, but to Witness to Christ

There is a lesson in this for us. We may be passed over for positions of leadership or we might find ourselves embarrassed at the prospect of a second-place finish. But our dignity as Christians does not rest solely in positions of authority nor in our success. What is most important is our faithfulness, that we who have personally experienced the love of the Risen Lord Jesus share this encounter with others. All of us who have been baptized are called to this mission of evangelical love.

We may not be chosen to lead like the apostles, but all of us like Matthias and Justus have been chosen to be witnesses to the grace, the power, and the electric love of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.

Saint Matthias, Apostle and Saint Justus, not-Apostle, pray for us!