Everybody knows the story of Jesus’ passion and resurrection on Easter Sunday, but what happened after his ascension and blessing on Pentecost is often less known.
The apostles were down one, as Judas Iscariot committed suicide after the weight of his betrayal became too heavy for him. While they could have continued their ministry with eleven members, twelve is one of several special holy numbers, which was not lost on Peter, one of the three apostles Jesus trusted the most (the other two being James the Greater and John the Evangelist).
Having gathered 120 of Jesus’s disciples in the Upper Room, Peter proposed adding a new apostle to the roster.
The position only had a few requirements: the new apostle must have been a disciple from Jesus’s baptism in the Jordan all the way up to his resurrection. The new apostle could not have abandoned Him when he was condemned to die. But how could the living apostles decide who to choose when their own placement in had been made by God himself?
Once it had been narrowed down to two men, Matthias and a man named Joseph called Barsabbas, the apostles cast lots, hoping God’s will would shine through the winner. In the end, St. Matthias was chosen to be the newest of the twelve.
Unfortunately, not much is known about his life or ministry. It is thought that he mainly spread Christianity in Cappadocia and resided on the coast of the Caspian Sea, but another story suggests he stayed in Judea and was stoned and then beheaded.
Matthias is represented with an axe due to his martyrdom, and he is patron of alcoholics, carpenters, tailors, smallpox, Montana, Great Falls-Billings, Trier, hope, and perseverance. Perhaps Matthias’ most distinguishing traits are his modesty, his willingness to answer the call, and his readiness to grow through the challenges he faced.
While St. Matthias’s life is uncertain, his presence in Biblical tradition is highly symbolic for the seasons of Lent and Easter. Lent is an opportunity to do away with the hurt and damage of the past year, a time to recon with and to forgive ourselves and others. It leads to Easter, the ultimate season of redemption, forgiveness, and growth.
In many ways, Matthias’ ministry parallels the spirit and key objectives of Lent and the Easter Season.
While Judas allowed himself to be caught up in temptation and sin, he paved the way for Matthias, a good and righteous man, to be inducted into apostolic lore.
As you step into the new beginnings of Easter, make sure to remember St. Matthias’s willingness to forgive and spread the Gospel.
