Saint Matthias
Feast day: May 14
Saint Matthias, chosen by lot to join the Twelve in place of Judas Iscariot (14/05)
Who is he?
Saint Matthias is one of the twelve Apostles of Jesus, but he was chosen last, after Jesus had gone up to heaven. He was a quiet disciple who had followed Jesus during the whole time Jesus was preaching.
Life story
After Jesus went up to heaven, there were only eleven left in the group of the Twelve, because Judas Iscariot had betrayed his Master. Saint Peter stood up in the middle of the community of about one hundred and twenty people. He said they needed to choose someone who had followed Jesus from the time he was baptized by Saint John the Baptist until the day he went up to heaven, to bear witness with the Apostles that Jesus had risen (cf. Acts 1:15-22).
Two men were put forward: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. The whole community prayed: “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen” (Acts 1:24). Then they drew lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. From then on he was counted among the Apostles (cf. Acts 1:26).
The Bible tells nothing more about him. According to tradition, he went to preach the Gospel and was martyred. His relics are venerated in several places, especially in Trier (Germany), and also in Rome and Padua (Italy). Pictures and statues often show him holding a book and a halberd (a kind of long-handled axe), recalling his death for the faith according to tradition.
Why is he a saint?
Saint Matthias was not someone who stood out. He simply followed Jesus quietly and faithfully day after day, even when no one noticed him. That is why, when the Church needed him, he was ready to bear witness to the risen Lord. He accepted the mission God gave him and stayed faithful to it to the end.
A lesson for you
- Be faithful in small things every day: going to Mass, studying your catechism, helping your family, even when no one praises you.
- Before you decide something important, pray and ask God to show you what he wants.
- Cheerfully accept the jobs you are given in catechism class or at home, and do them well to the end.
Identifying marks
- A halberd (a long-handled axe): according to tradition, he was struck with an axe when he was martyred.
- A book: he is an Apostle, a witness who preached the Gospel.
- A street of stone houses in Jerusalem: where the Apostles prayed and chose him to join the Twelve.
- Lots (*): they recall that he was chosen by drawing lots after the community had prayed.
(*) Only in some pictures and statues.
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