Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 14 May 2026
Saint Mathias, Feast
Ac 1:15-17, 20-26. Jn 15:9-17
Added to the Apostles
Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Matthias. The first reading tells us that, after the death of Judas, the apostles felt the need to fill his place. Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. After prayer, they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. Then the Scripture says: “He was added to the eleven apostles.”
This simple sentence gives us the heart of today’s feast: Matthias was added to the apostles. He was not famous in the Gospels. He did not stand out like Peter, John, or James. He was a quiet disciple. Yet he had followed Jesus from the beginning, from the baptism of John until the Ascension. He had walked with Jesus, listened to Him, seen His works, and witnessed His resurrection. In silence, he had remained faithful. And in God’s time, he was chosen.
The name Matthias means “gift of God” or “given by God.” This is very beautiful. The apostles did not simply choose a man according to human preference. They prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.” Then they allowed God to show His will. Matthias was not only selected by the community; he was given by God to the Church.
In the Old Testament, the number twelve was very important. Israel had twelve tribes, born from the sons of Jacob. Jesus also chose twelve apostles, showing that He was forming the new people of God. After Judas left his place empty, the apostles wanted to preserve this sacred number. They wanted to remain faithful to the structure Jesus Himself had given. So Matthias was chosen to complete the Twelve.
But the feast of Matthias is not only about a vacant place being filled. It is about God’s way of calling hidden and faithful people. Matthias teaches us that nothing is wasted in the life of a disciple. Silent service is seen by God. Hidden fidelity is remembered by God. Years of walking with Jesus, even without recognition, prepare us for a mission.
In the Gospel, Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you.” These words explain the life of Matthias. He did not push himself forward. He did not seek power or position. He was available. He was ready. He was present. And when the Lord called, he accepted the mission. True vocation is not self-promotion. It is humble availability before God.
Jesus also says, “I no longer call you servants, but friends.” This is what happened to Matthias. He had been a disciple. Now he is added to the apostles. He had followed Jesus. Now he is sent in the name of Jesus. He had listened to the Word. Now he must become a witness to the Resurrection. The servant is raised to friendship. The disciple is raised to mission.
This is also our story. Each one of us is called to be “added” to the mission of Jesus. We may not be apostles like the Twelve, but through baptism we are added to the Church. Through confirmation we are strengthened for witness. Through the Eucharist we are united with Christ. Through daily fidelity we become instruments of His love.
Sometimes we may feel ordinary, unnoticed, or unimportant. Matthias tells us that God sees the quiet heart. The Church needs not only great preachers and famous leaders, but also faithful people who remain, pray, serve, and witness. The Kingdom of God grows through hidden fidelity.
The casting of lots may look like chance. But for the apostles, it was not mere luck. It was prayerful trust in God’s will. Matthias teaches us that grace may fall on us, but we must also make ourselves ready for grace. The lot fell on Matthias, but Matthias had already prepared himself by remaining with Jesus. God’s call is gift; our readiness is response.
Today, Saint Matthias invites us to ask: Am I available for God’s mission? Am I faithful even when no one notices? Am I ready to move from being a listener to being a witness? Am I willing to be added to the work of the apostles in my family, parish, community, and society?
Jesus gives the command: “Remain in my love.” This is the secret of every mission. Matthias could become an apostle because he had remained with Jesus. We too can bear fruit only if we remain in His love. Mission without love becomes work. Service without love becomes burden. But when we remain in Christ, our life becomes fruitful.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A ‘Yesni Prays’ Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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