Daily Scripture, May 14, 2025
Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle
Scripture:
Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
John 15:9-17
Reflection:
Today is the feast of Saint Matthias, the disciple who replaced Judas and filled the place of the 12th apostle. We know little about him beyond reading in Acts that he was voted in and ultimately chosen by lots.
Let’s imagine what was going through his mind and what are some of the things he might have done.
Indeed, he would’ve wanted to be the opposite of Judas, promoting honesty and loyalty.
He might’ve become a peacemaker among the apostles when there were disagreements.
As a fellow evangelist, he may have wanted to visit regions that others wouldn’t.
Maybe he was so moved by the words and actions of Jesus that he would want to help people meet the needs of the struggling, suffering, and disenfranchised.
He could’ve been a teacher and mentor for new converts. Because he had the new status of an actual apostle, he might have enjoyed requests to share personal testimonies about his experiences with Jesus and the thousands of other disciples who gathered around him.
A new Pope is taking on the throne of Saint Peter. Any new pope must feel like Saint Matthias for quite a while until he gets his bearings. Let us pray for gifts from the Holy Spirit to shower on him and, while we’re at it, on ourselves since we must choose how to be better disciples every day.
.Jack Dermody is President of Share Our Gifts, Inc., a Passionist alumni organization dedicated to assisting those who live in poverty; he is also editor of CrossRoads, the Passionist Alumni Association’s newsletter.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:12-14 Romans 8:8-11 John 11:1-45 Reflection: When I entered the seminary as a freshman in high school, our studies in English introduced us to the writings of William » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-53 Reflection: Today is April Fools Day. The origin of this unusual day is uncertain but the custom of having similar days when people play tricks » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Wisdom 2:1a, 12-22 John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 Reflection: It’s an interesting thing, being human. As children, we begin our journey with such optimism and enthusiasm – trying new things » Continue Reading.
Feast of Saint John of Egypt, Hermit Scripture: Isaiah 49:8-15 John 5:17-30 Reflection: As we move through the fourth week of Lent we are reminded of this being a joyful » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1-9, 12 John 4:43-54 Reflection: Water has the ability to be life-giving as well as life-taking! Farmers will tell you just enough rain will produce a bountiful harvest. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 Reflection: “Now there was a royal official whose son was ill in Capernaum. When he heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 Reflection: Turn, O Israel, to the Lord your God. Hosea 14:2 The simple statement to turn to God occurs 37 times in SS! The word » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 Reflection: In both of our readings today we hear about “stiff-necked” people. In our first reading, God reminds the prophet Jeremiah that the people did » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:1, 5-9 Matthew 5:17-19 Reflection: Six years ago, a Filipino medical doctor who practices in a neighboring city requested permission to erect a monument of the Ten Commandments » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 Reflection: We often fail to take account of the advantages we enjoy as Christians. For we have been extremely blessed and should enjoy our » Continue Reading.