Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Pablo Garay SVD – Saint Therese Parish, Dagupan City
Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostles – May 14
Today’s feast and its readings remind us of our basic catechism: Man’s purpose is to know Jesus, to love Jesus, to serve Jesus, and be happy with Jesus!
To know Jesus – Peter lays down the requirement for an apostle: he should have walked with Jesus and a witness of the resurrection. Personal knowledge is important. Matthias, the apostle/saint of the day, had been “in the company” of Jesus “from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up.”
To love Jesus – It is Matthias’ knowledge of Jesus that consequently made him to not only admire Jesus, but also to love Him.
To serve Jesus – Matthias’ love for Jesus overflowed to serving Him when he accepted his election to serve as an Apostle and to witness to the resurrection even at the cost of his own life. He died a martyr’s death in the service of his Beloved.
The Office of the Apostle was the privilege of Matthias and the other members of the circle. But the faith transmitted to us by God’s grace through the Apostles allows us to know and love Jesus.
We can deepen our knowledge of Jesus by reading His Word. We can deepen our love for Him through prayers and the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist. All this should move us to serve Jesus and his kingdom.
Jesus tells us to remain in His love if we keep his commandments, specifically his commandment of love. What greater joy can we have than knowing that Jesus loves us as his friends! Happiness in the next life is already anticipated here!
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