Saint Matthias, Apostle
Feast Day: May 14
Patronage: carpenters; tailors; alcoholics in recovery; hope for perseverance
Key Symbol: axe; halberd; book or scroll; apostle staff
Time Period: 1st century AD; died around AD 80
Location: Judea; Jerusalem; possibly Ethiopia or Cappadocia
Known For: replacing Judas Iscariot among the Twelve Apostles
Good For Lessons On: apostles; discipleship; trust in God’s call; prayerful decision making; witness and evangelization
Scripture: Acts 1:21-26; John 15:16
Companions: Saint Peter; the other apostles; early Christian community
Why This Saint Matters: This saint teaches us to stay faithful, be ready to serve, and trust God’s plan even when we are not in the spotlight.
Saint Matthias was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He was chosen after Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus. The apostles wanted someone to take Judas’s place so the group would have twelve members again. Matthias was picked because he had followed Jesus from the beginning.
The story of Matthias is told in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles. After Jesus went up to heaven, Peter and the apostles prayed and asked God to guide them. They chose Matthias by casting lots, a method they believed showed God’s will. This decision made Matthias part of the group that spread Jesus’ teachings.
Matthias preached the Gospel and helped build the early Church. We don’t know a lot about his life after he became an apostle, but some traditions say he traveled and preached in different countries. He is believed to have died as a martyr, giving his life for his faith in Jesus.
The Church honors Saint Matthias for his faithfulness and mission. His feast day is May 14. Catholics remember him as someone who answered God’s call and served Jesus with his whole life. He shows us the importance of staying close to Jesus and sharing the Good News.
Chosen by God
After Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, the apostles knew they needed someone to take his place. Judas had been one of the twelve, but his betrayal left an empty spot. The apostles wanted to have twelve members again, just as Jesus had planned. This number was important because it represented the twelve tribes of Israel.
The apostles came together in prayer to make this decision. Peter, the leader of the group, spoke to the others. He reminded them that Scripture had foretold the betrayal and that someone should take Judas’s place. Peter said they needed to choose someone who had been with Jesus from the beginning, someone who had seen Jesus’ works and knew His teachings.
They found two men who met these requirements: Joseph, called Barsabbas, and Matthias. Both had followed Jesus throughout His ministry. The apostles prayed and asked God to show them who should be chosen. Then, they cast lots. This was a common way in those times to make important decisions. It was like drawing names, but they believed God guided the outcome. The lot fell to Matthias, and he became one of the twelve apostles.
This process was very important because it showed the apostles trusted God to guide them. By casting lots and praying, they gave the decision to God. It also shows how leadership in the Church continued after Jesus went to heaven. The apostles made sure the Church was built on strong leaders who had seen and followed Jesus.
This event is also an example of apostolic succession. This means that Church leaders, like bishops, are chosen to continue the mission of the apostles. They pass on the teachings and authority of Jesus. Matthias reminds us that God calls people to step up when there is a need in His Church.
Saint Matthias teaches us to always be ready to follow God’s call. Even though we don’t know much about his life, we know he was faithful and willing to serve. His selection as an apostle shows how the early Church trusted God and worked together to keep spreading the message of Jesus.
Chosen to Serve
Saint Matthias was chosen to be an apostle because he had followed Jesus from the beginning. The apostles needed someone who had seen Jesus’ teachings, miracles, and resurrection. Matthias fit these requirements. He had stayed faithful to Jesus and his message throughout his life.
After becoming an apostle, he joined the others in spreading the Gospel. Like the other apostles, he worked to share the teachings of Jesus with people who had not heard them before. He was part of the early Church’s mission to bring the Good News to all nations.
Some traditions say Matthias preached in Judea first and then went to other places. He is often linked with preaching in Ethiopia, the region near modern-day Georgia, or other parts of the Roman Empire. Wherever he went, he spread the message of Jesus and invited people to become followers.
Saint Matthias is believed to have died as a martyr for his faith. The exact details of his death are unclear, but tradition says he was killed for preaching about Jesus. Some say he was stoned to death, while others say he was beheaded. His sacrifice shows his dedication to serving Jesus until the end.
His life reminds us of the importance of staying close to Jesus. He gave his life to serve others and help them know the love of Christ. Through his work, many people came to believe and follow Jesus.
Faithful and Ready
Saint Matthias teaches us about being faithful to God. He followed Jesus from the very beginning, even when he was not one of the Twelve Apostles. He stayed close to Jesus through his teachings, miracles, and resurrection. This shows us the importance of staying faithful, even when we do not feel noticed or important.
Matthias was ready to serve when he was chosen to replace Judas. He did not ask for the role or try to earn it. Instead, he was simply ready when the time came. This reminds us to be prepared to serve God whenever we are called, even if it happens in unexpected ways.
Matthias’ life shows us the value of quiet faithfulness. We do not hear much about him in the Bible or in history, but his work was important. He preached the Gospel and helped the early Church grow. We learn from him that even when our efforts seem small, they can make a big difference for God’s Kingdom.
For modern Christians, he is a reminder that God sees our faith and efforts, even if others do not. He shows us that we don’t have to seek recognition or a special role. God calls each of us in different ways to share the Gospel and serve others.
Finally, Saint Matthias teaches us to stay strong in our faith, even when it is hard. He gave his life as a martyr, staying true to Jesus until the end. This is an example for all Christians to trust in God, even during challenges and difficulties.
Honoring Saint Matthias
Saint Matthias has an important place in the Church’s history. He reminds us of the twelve apostles who carried on Jesus’ mission after His resurrection. By replacing Judas, Matthias showed the importance of keeping the group of apostles complete. This helped the early Church stay united as they spread the Gospel.
The Church celebrates Saint Matthias’ feast day on May 14. This is a day to remember his life, his faithfulness, and his mission. On this day, Catholics honor him and ask for his prayers. His feast day is a good time to reflect on being ready to serve God like Matthias was.
Saint Matthias is the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, and people who struggle with hope. People often ask for his prayers when they face challenges in their faith or daily life. His life reminds them that God calls everyone to serve and that there is always hope in Christ.
Matthias’ legacy is about answering God’s call. He was not one of the original apostles, but he was ready when God chose him. His example inspires Christians to trust in God’s plan, even when it is unexpected. His life and martyrdom remind us that faith and perseverance matter more than recognition.
Through his feast day and patronage, Saint Matthias continues to inspire and guide Christians today. He is remembered as a quiet but faithful servant of Christ, showing us how to follow Jesus with trust and courage.
Daily Mass Readings for the Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
- First Reading – Acts 1:15-17, 20-26: The apostles gathered together after the ascension of Jesus, and Peter addressed them about the need to replace Judas Iscariot. Peter explained that Judas’s betrayal had fulfilled scripture, and they needed to choose a new apostle to fill his place. After praying and casting lots, Matthias was selected as the twelfth apostle to join the eleven remaining disciples.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 113: Let us praise and bless the name of the Lord, for He is exalted above all and lifts up the lowly to sit among the leaders of His people. Rejoice in His greatness and trust in His unfailing love.
- Gospel – John 15:9-17: Jesus imparts His commandment of love to His disciples, emphasizing the inseparable connection between love and obedience. He declares that His followers are not merely servants but friends, chosen to bear fruit by loving one another as He has loved them.
Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
Remaining in God
The feast of Saint Matthias invites Christians to think about what it really means to remain in the love of Christ. In this reflection, Sr. Magdalen Coughlin says that Jesus asks for a deep and generous love that can feel overwhelming at times. She explains that many people want to keep their lives small and comfortable, but Jesus calls his followers to care for all people as brothers and sisters. This kind of love becomes possible when believers stay close to Jesus through prayer and Scripture.
Sr. Magdalen encourages reading the Gospel each day and trusting that God’s word slowly changes the heart. She says the suffering of people around the world should matter to Christians because they are part of one human family. The feast of Saint Matthias also points to the early Church working together in prayer and listening as they chose Matthias to join the apostles.
Trust That God Is With Us
The feast of Saint Matthias reminds believers that God often calls ordinary people who still carry doubts and fears. In this Jesuit reflection, Kristy C. Parrish points out that even the disciples struggled with uncertainty after the resurrection. They may have believed in Jesus, yet still wondered if they were capable of carrying on his mission. The reflection connects this to everyday life, where people are called into roles and responsibilities that can feel overwhelming.
Parrish explains that faith often means moving forward even when people do not feel fully prepared. The disciples continued the work of the early Church because they trusted that Jesus would remain with them. The feast of Saint Matthias encourages Christians to trust that God stays close through every challenge and every unknown step ahead.
How to Be a True Friend
The feast of Saint Matthias is a good time to reflect on friendship and the kind of love Jesus calls his followers to live. In this Dynamic Catholic reflection, Allen Hunt says true friendship is rooted in selfless love. He points to Jesus’ command to love one another and explains that real friendships show loyalty, forgiveness, honesty, and dedication. He asks readers to think not only about the friends they have, but also about the kind of friend they are called to be.
Allen Hunt also reflects on Peter’s failure and Jesus’ forgiveness after the resurrection. Even after Peter denied him, Jesus restored him with patience and mercy. The reflection explains that good friendships do not hold grudges but help people grow through truth and sacrifice. The feast of Saint Matthias reminds Christians that faithful friendship is one of the clearest ways to share the love of Christ with others.
God Calls Us Friends
Jesus says to his disciples, “I no longer call you slaves, but friends.” This simple line changes everything. Unlike many philosophies that speak of God as a distant power or force, Jesus reveals a God who is close and personal.
Bishop Barron explains that this is what makes the Christian message so unique. The all-powerful Creator of the universe wants to speak with us and share his life with us. On the feast of Saint Matthias, we remember that Jesus invites us not into fear or distance, but into friendship with God.
Chosen To Love
The feast of Saint Matthias reminds Christians that love is more than emotion or feelings. In this reflection, Dcn. Burke-Sivers explains that God created every person to share in his love and to live in relationship with him. Saint Matthias answered that call with courage and faithfulness. Though little is known about his life, tradition says he preached the Gospel and gave his life for Christ.
Dcn. Burke-Sivers says the witness of Saint Matthias shows that real love requires sacrifice and selflessness. Love helps people trust God even during fear, suffering, and uncertainty. The feast of Saint Matthias encourages believers to remember that Jesus chooses and calls each person to bear lasting fruit. Christians are invited to follow Christ with confidence and show the world that God’s love is stronger than evil and fear.
Following the Call
Saint Matthias shows us what it means to be faithful and ready. He followed Jesus from the very beginning, even though he wasn’t one of the original Twelve Apostles. He stayed close to Jesus’ teachings and lived as a disciple, not seeking recognition. His example teaches us to stay committed to our faith, even when it feels like our efforts go unnoticed.
When Matthias was chosen to replace Judas, he didn’t hesitate. He accepted the call and joined the apostles. This shows the importance of being prepared to serve whenever God calls us. We might not always know when or how we will be needed, but we can trust that God has a plan for each of us.
Matthias also reminds us that we don’t need to be famous or well-known to do God’s work. We don’t hear much about him in the Bible, but his life made a difference. He preached the Gospel and brought people to Jesus. His quiet faithfulness shows us that even small acts of faith and service are valuable in God’s eyes.
Finally, Matthias teaches us to trust in God during difficult times. Tradition says he gave his life as a martyr, remaining faithful to Jesus until the end. This reminds us to stay strong in our faith, even when life is hard or when we face challenges for following Christ.
Reflection Questions
- How can I remain faithful to Jesus in my daily life, like Saint Matthias?
- Am I ready to serve God if He calls me in an unexpected way?
- What small acts of faith and service can I do to share God’s love with others?
More Homilies, Commentaries, and Reflections
The Obscure Apostle (Order of Preachers: Sr. Barbara Kane)
Resources
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Chosen to Carry the Light
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Questions and Answers
Who was Saint Matthias?
He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He replaced Judas Iscariot after Judas betrayed Jesus.
How was Saint Matthias chosen?
The apostles prayed and cast lots to choose him. They believed this showed God’s will.
What is casting lots?
Casting lots involved using a method similar to drawing straws or rolling dice, where the apostles would leave the decision in the hands of God’s providence. By casting lots, they believed that God would guide the outcome, revealing His choice for the vacant position among the Twelve.
Why was Saint Matthias chosen?
He had followed Jesus from the beginning and witnessed His teachings, miracles, and resurrection.
What did Saint Matthias do as an apostle?
He preached the Gospel and helped build the early Church. He traveled to share Jesus’ message.
Where did Saint Matthias preach?
Tradition says he preached in Judea and other places, including Ethiopia or near modern-day Georgia.
How did Saint Matthias die?
He is believed to have been martyred. Some say he was stoned, while others say he was beheaded.
What is Saint Matthias the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, and people struggling with hope.
When is Saint Matthias’ feast day?
His feast day is May 14.
Why is Saint Matthias important?
He reminds us to be faithful, ready to serve, and to trust in God’s plan for our lives.
How can we honor Saint Matthias?
We can honor him by remembering his feast day, asking for his prayers, and following his example of faith and service.
The Apostle Who Answered the Call
Saint Matthias was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles. He had followed Jesus from the very beginning and witnessed His life, death, and resurrection. The apostles prayed for guidance and cast lots, and Matthias was selected to join their group.
After becoming an apostle, Matthias preached the Gospel and shared the message of Jesus. Though we do not know all the details of his life, tradition says he traveled to different places to teach and bring others to Christ. His work helped the early Church grow and spread.
Saint Matthias stayed faithful to Jesus even when it cost him his life. He died as a martyr, giving his life for his faith. His feast day is May 14, and he is remembered as the patron saint of alcoholics, carpenters, and those who struggle with hope.
Saint Matthias shows us how to be ready to serve God whenever we are called. He teaches us to stay faithful, trust in God’s plan, and live out our faith through quiet but steady service.
Your Turn
Learn more about Saint Matthias and his example of faith and service. Reflect on how his life can inspire your own. Are you ready to answer God’s call like Matthias?
Share your thoughts in the comments. How does his story encourage you in your faith journey? Let’s keep the conversation going!
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