The Catholic Calendar for Friday, May 14, 2004
Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
St. Matthias, apostle

Scripture from Friday’s Liturgy of the Word:
Acts 1:15-17,20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17

A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:

It was necessary for the early Church to fill the place in the Apostolic College left vacant by the death of Judas. But we might think it strange that they chose to elect Matthias “by lot” instead of through a process of discussion, discernment, and then through a vote of the entire assembly--or at least, by a vote of the Eleven. Instead, they left it entirely to the Holy Spirit. Perhaps they remembered that Jesus had said to them that they had not chosen Him, but that He had chosen them. By the same process, Matthias was chosen by the sole vote of the Holy Spirit, after much prayer and penance on the part of the Apostles.

Do I reflect often enough on the truth that God Himself called me to discipleship? Whether to the ordained ministry as priest or deacon, or whether to the wider call of the priesthood of the laity, I have been chosen by the Spirit of God to holiness, to spreading the Kingdom of God through prayer and example, and to further the work of the Kingdom of Justice, Truth, and Mercy.

When I sometimes doubt my worth, or my accomplishments, or my talents, let me turn my thoughts to this great truth. Whatever my past history of achievement as a follower of Jesus, I leave that to the judgment of my Lord. Whatever my future story shall be, I leave it to the quality of my love, my dedication, and the grace of God.

Loving Lord Jesus,
with grateful heart, I accept your Call,
and promise to be faithful until death
in carrying out the mission you have entrusted to me.
Amen.

- Msgr. Paul E. Whitmore
(smartins at twcny dot rr dot com)

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posted by joachim at 4:13 AM