Yesterday (Feb. 24), the church celebrated the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle. Matthias was one who was among the disciples of Jesus during his earthly ministry. The Early Church fathers held that he was one of the 72 sent out by Jesus in Luke 10:1-20. Following Jesus’ ascension, Matthias was chosen by lot to be the twelfth apostle after Judas’ betrayal and suicide. Scholars posit that he went either to Ethiopia or Armenia. He was martyred for the faith, possibly at Colchis in Asia Minor and around 50 AD. The Church of St. Matthias in Trier, Germany claims the apostle is buried there, making him the only apostle buried north of the Alps in Europe.
Let us pray: “Almighty God, You chose Your servant Matthias to be numbered among the Twelve. Grant that Your Church, ever preserved from false teachers, may be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.” Amen.
Description adapted from and prayer quoted from “Treasury of Daily Prayer,” 1236-1237.
Catholic Jonesboro 