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: Exodus 32:15-24, 30-34 Matthew 13:31-35 Reflection: "Alas, this people have sinned a great sin; they have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will forgive their » Continue Reading.
Scripture: 2 Kings 4:42-44 Ephesians 4:1-6 John 6:1-15 Reflection: I write this reflection from a Benedictine monastery perched on a mountaintop in Big Sur, California-overlooking the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b Matthew 13:10-17 Reflection: In today’s Gospel reading, the disciples ask Jesus, "Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?" In response, Jesus says, "Because » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 16:1-5, 9-15 John 20:1-2, 11-18 Reflection: "The Lord gave them bread from heaven." Ps 78: 24b In this story from the Old Testament, the Lord fed his people » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 14:21-15:1 Matthew 12:46-50 Reflection: One of the fascinating moments in the take-off of the space shuttle from its launch pad is the explosive release of energy powering the » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:1-6 Ephesians 2:13-18 Mark 6:30-34 Reflection: "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want." (Psalm 23:1) Today’s Scripture readings reveal a God who cares deeply » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 12:37-42 Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection: So often I, myself, and others have reflected, "Oh, I really missed understanding that person. I was only looking at the outside. Little did » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Exodus 1:8-14, 22 Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: Friends of mine recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Lake Tahoe. The cool blue and aquamarine waters, reflecting the Sierras, were so » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: The other morning, a smiling young lady carrying a clipboard, knocked at my door. She was collecting signatures for a petition to overturn » Continue Reading.
Scripture: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a, 17-24a Matthew 10:1-7 Reflection: A common thread running through today’s readings is that of betrayal. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers who » Continue Reading.