Saint of the Day (May 14)

ST. MATTHIAS

St. Matthias was one of Our Lord's seventy-two disciples. He had been a follower of Jesus during his public life. St. Peter asked the 120 people gathered in prayer to choose an apostle to replace Judas. This was very important because that man would be a bishop, as the other apostles were. He said it should be someone who had been with Jesus from his baptism in the Jordan until the resurrection.
The first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles explains that the group proposed two names. One was Matthias, the other, Joseph, called Barsabbas. Joseph was also called Justus. Both men-Matthias and Joseph-were very well thought of by Jesus' followers. So now they had two replacements for Judas. But they only needed one. So what could they do? It was very simple. They cast lots. Matthias' name was chosen.
St. Matthias was a very good apostle. He preached the Good News in Judea. Then he continued to Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey). Many people listened to Matthias. They believed his wonderful message. The enemies of Jesus grew furious to see how people listened to Matthias. They decided to stop him. Matthias died a martyr.