Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

We gather today in the joy of the Easter season to celebrate the Feast of Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen to take the place of Judas Iscariot. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see the early Church in a moment of uncertainty and transition. With prayer and trust, they sought God’s will—and Matthias was chosen by lot. Not by vote or influence, but by a method that symbolized complete surrender to divine providence.

This theme of discernment under the guidance of the Holy Spirit resonates deeply with us in these days, as the Church continues to give thanks for the election of Pope Leo XIV, chosen last week in conclave. The method may no longer be casting lots, but the heart of the process remains the same: entrusting the future of the Church to God’s Spirit, listening together, and choosing not according to ambition, but according to mission.

Matthias’ story, from Acts 1, is striking for its simplicity. He had been there from the beginning—walking with Jesus from the time of John’s baptism until the Ascension—but he was never named among the Twelve. And yet, it was his quiet fidelity that made him ready when the call came. Like Pope Leo XIV, called from among many, Matthias reminds us that God often calls from the midst of the community someone who has simply been walking faithfully all along.

The Gospel today, from John 15, invites us into the heart of discipleship. “You did not choose me, but I chose you,” says Jesus. These words apply not only to apostles or popes—they apply to each one of us. We are chosen—not by our merit, but by God’s love. And we are chosen for a purpose: “to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.”

That fruit is the fruit of love. As Jesus says, “Love one another as I have loved you.” This is not a sentiment—it’s a commandment. It means loving as Christ loves: selflessly, sacrificially, steadfastly. Matthias, once chosen, would live out this love in mission, in witness, and in martyrdom. Pope Leo XIV, now chosen, begins that same apostolic journey in our own time. And each of us, in our own lives, are called to abide in Christ’s love and make it visible in our homes, our communities, and our Church.

The psalm today proclaims: “From the dust he lifts up the lowly, to seat them with princes.” That is the pattern of divine election: not reward for greatness, but grace for the humble. Matthias and Leo XIV stand in that line—but so do we. We are all raised up by the call of Christ, not for status, but for service.

So today, we thank God for the example of Saint Matthias. We pray for Pope Leo XIV, that his ministry may be marked by deep faith, pastoral wisdom, and bold hope. And we ask Saint Matthias to intercede for each of us, that we may respond to Christ’s call with joy and trust.

Let us take a moment of silence to reflect on these questions:

• Where in my life is God inviting me to trust Him more, especially when the path ahead is uncertain or unplanned?
• How can I live out Christ’s command to love in concrete ways this week, especially with those who are vulnerable or overlooked?
• What fruit am I being called to bear in this Easter season—in my family, community, or Church?

May Saint Matthias pray for us, and may the Holy Spirit guide Pope Leo XIV in his ministry as servant of the servants of God.

I acknowledge that this homily was drafted by myself and refined using AI assistance and automatic built-in word processing tools for grammar, style, and clarity. The final content remains the responsibility of the author.