Mathias was a member of the wider circle of disciples who followed Jesus in his work of evangelization. Eusebius, the Church historian, narrates that he was one of the seventy-two followers who accompanied Jesus. Our knowledge about this disciple comes from the Acts of the Apostles: (Acts.1: 20-26) After the Ascension of Our Lord into heaven, Peter appealed to the Christian Community to choose some one who had been with them from the beginning of the Baptism of Jesus until his resurrection and who could replace Judas Iscariot. The names proposed were Joseph Barsabas surnamed Justus and Mathias. The Apostles left the final choice to God. “Then they cast lots lot and the lot fell to Mathias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” Tradition has it that Mathias was Bishop of Eleutheropolis where he suffered martyrdom and where he is venerated even now.
Reflection: The method the apostles adopted in the choice of a replacement for Judas Iscariot was the best bet, lest they be accused of nepotism or partiality. It is equally inspiring to note how they prayed to God to guide them in the right choice instead of leaving it to blind fate. Every attempt to discover the will of God is to be made on our knees.
Then they prayed, Lord, you know every one’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. (Acts.1: 25-26)
