St. Matthias: Numbered among the Twelve

Yesterday, the great mystery of Ascension Day took precedence, so the Feast of St. Matthias (normally 14 May) was quietly transferred to today.

Matthias represents all the ordinary, faithful disciples who are suddenly called to step up into larger roles. Though not one of the original Twelve, he had been there from the very beginning—walking the roads, listening, and witnessing the Resurrection from outside the inner circle. His story reminds us that the calling to be an apostle quickly moved beyond a closed group and out into the wider community.

Whether his feast is celebrated in the frost of February (as in the BCP calendar) or right here in the fresh warmth of May, Matthias stands as a model of the quiet work of showing up and standing steady when the community faces a gap.

Almighty God, who in the place of Judas chose Matthias to be numbered in the twelve, preserve your Church from false apostles, and by the ministry of faithful pastors and teachers keep us steadfast in your truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.