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: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25 Matthew 7:7-12 Reflection: The Spiritual Work of Counsel This Saturday evening the Jewish Community begins the feast of Purim, which celebrates how Queen Esther » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 11:29-32 Reflection: Seeking ‘signs’ seems to be a natural need in the average person. We all seek signs that we are going in the right direction » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 6:7-15 Reflection: I wonder if the apostles struggled with Jesus’ prayer, The Our Father, as much as I do. The first challenge I remember in this » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Leviticus 19:1-2, 11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 Reflection: When I was in grade school, we were tested and re-tested on our ability to recite the Ten Commandments. Some people proclaim these » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 3:7 Romans 5:15 Reflection: Then the eyes of both of them were opened…. Poor Adam and Eve. The whole weight of evil, pain, and suffering that we find » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:9-14 Luke 5:27-32 Reflection: Jesus’ Health Care Program Health care has been and continues to be a “hot topic” in many parts of the world…along with other » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Isaiah 58:1-9a Matthew 9:14-15 Reflection: “The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matthew 9:15b The Bible doesn’t say we » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 Reflection: Lent is begun. Following the liturgy of Ash Wednesday, with its reminders to prayer and penance, today’s Gospel reading speaks to us of the » Continue Reading.
Ash Wednesday Scripture: Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 Reflection: The first reading today from the prophet Joel proclaims what we all know—it is Ash Wednesday, the beginning » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Sirach 35:1-12 Mark 10:28-31 Reflection: With Ash Wednesday just a day away, it seems Sirach provides some valuable guidance for planning our Lenten journey. What should this Lenten journey » Continue Reading.