My dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you peace. We gather to celebrate the feast of Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen to succeed Judas and continue the sacred apostolic ministry entrusted to the Twelve. As we reflect on this event, coupled with the recent election of our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, we are reminded of the unbroken chain of apostolic succession—a divine gift and responsibility handed down through the ages.
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see a community in prayer, seeking God’s guidance to fill the vacancy left by Judas. The apostles recognize that the ministry of Jesus must be continued with integrity and fidelity. Their prayer and the casting of lots underscore their dependence on divine guidance and their trust in God's plan.
Matthias’ selection was not a random act but a choice the apostles had to discern, rooted in prayer with concern for the community at large. He was one who had been with Jesus from the beginning of his public ministry, a witness to the Resurrection, and someone entrusted with the mission to carry the Gospel forward. His appointment signifies the importance of continuity and fidelity in the transmission of the apostolic mission.
This event exemplifies what we call apostolic succession—the unbroken line of bishops and successors of the apostles, which ensures that the Church’s teachings, sacraments, and mission remain faithful to Christ’s original mandate. It is a divine gift that preserves the integrity of the apostolic deposit, handed down through the generations.
Pope Leo XIV, our newly elected shepherd, now carries this sacred trust. His election is not merely a matter of human choice; it is a moment infused with divine significance. As he assumes the Petrine office, he joins a spiritual lineage that traces back to Saint Peter himself, the rock upon whom Christ built His Church.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks of remaining in His love, extending it to others, and bearing fruit that endures. He reminds us that it is not we who choose Him, but He who chooses us and appoints us to bear fruit. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate promised by Jesus, continues to guide the Church’s leaders, including our Pope, in their mission. The Spirit’s guidance ensures that the succession of apostles remains faithful to Christ’s message, unblemished by human weakness, and ever aligned with divine truth. It is through the Holy Spirit that our leaders are empowered to shepherd the flock, to teach, to sanctify, and to lead us closer to Christ.
Today’s celebration of Saint Matthias and the election of Pope Leo XIV remind us that the Church’s mission is rooted in divine election and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The apostolic succession ensures that Christ’s work continues unbroken, and with each new successor, we renew our trust in God’s plan for His Church. According to Christian tradition, after his election as an apostle, Saint Matthias is believed to have traveled to preach the gospel in regions such as Ethiopia and along the Caspian Sea. Some accounts suggest he evangelized in Persia (modern-day Iran) and other parts of Asia, spreading Christianity beyond the initial Jewish communities. However, specific details about his missionary journeys are limited and primarily come from early Christian writings and legends.
May Saint Matthias intercede for us, and may Pope Leo XIV be filled with the wisdom and courage of the Holy Spirit as he shepherds us in fidelity to Christ’s mission. Let us walk together in faith, hope, and love, bearing fruit that remains for the glory of God.
Amen.
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