david.a.atibilla

DATE: 14TH MAY 2022

FEAST OF ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE

FIRST READING: Acts 1:15-17, 20-26

PSALM: Psalm 113:1-8

GOSPEL: John 15:9-17

THEME: THE CHOICE OF THE LORD

A coach of a team has the burden of making big decisions on the field of play based on the plan he has in mind. Similarly, Jesus is the coach of his own team; he knows which player to field and at which time. There is a mystery at the heart of every vocation and this goes to affirm the truth that God’s ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts. His Spirit blows wherever He wills (cf. Is. 55:8; Jn 3:8).

The choice of Matthias was a divine one. His name literally means “gift of the Lord.” Indeed, he was God’s gift to the early Christian community. Prior to his choice, the believers prayed: “Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” (Act 1:24-25). The words of Jesus, in today’s Gospel text, therefore holds true for him, “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name” (Jn 15:16).

A genuine Christian vocation has a divine origin. It is the Lord who calls and chooses bishops, priests, religious brothers and sisters, husbands, wives, catechists, extra-ordinary Eucharistic ministers and others for service on behalf of the Church.

Like Matthias, each one of us has been chosen by Jesus for a purpose. We have to discover that purpose and avail ourselves accordingly. For this to happen, we would need to enter our “Upper Room”. It is that space in our lives where we are called upon to perseveringly pray until we receive a revelation from God and a decision is made.

PRAYER: Come Holy Spirit. Hover upon your Church and blow wherever you will. Raise up men and women of faith, hope and love in every generation to bring to fruition your vision for your Church. For the sake of Christ, we pray. Amen

Andrews Obeng, SVD

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES

BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)

“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).