Matthias

May 14, 2014:  St. Matthias, Apostle

Readings

• Acts 1:15-17, 20-26  Peter:  “The Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Spirit spoke through David about Judas who was among us and allotted a share in this ministry.  For it is written:  'Let his encampment become desolate,' and 'May another take his office.'  One who accompanied us must become with us a witness to his resurrection.”  They proposed two, then prayed, then cast lots.  The lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

• Ps 113:1-8  "The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people."  Praise the Lord who raises up the lowly.

• Jn 15:9-17  Jesus:  “I love you.  Remain in my love; if you keep my commandments, you will.  This is my commandment:  love one another as I love you.  No one has greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You're my friends if you do what I command.  I chose you and appointed you to go bear fruit....”

Pope Francis

• Fortitude (audience):  The Holy Spirit supports us in our weakness with the gift of fortitude.  In the parable of the sower, birds eat the seed on the street, the sun dries what falls on stony ground, and thorns choke what falls among them; only what falls on good soil bears fruit.  The Father is the sower; the seed of the Word often clashes with our dry hearts and stays sterile, but with the gift of fortitude, the Spirit frees us from torpor, uncertainty, and fear to put the Word into practice.

We see the gift in extreme situations such as lives facing disruption.  Many give their lives to remain faithful; even today many give witness knowing what it can cost.  Fortitude helps people in pain or struggling to survive.  Thank God for Christians who persevere in work, family, and faith—everyday saints hidden among us, carrying on with the Spirit's gift of fortitude.  If they can, so can I!

But fortitude is for everyday life too:  "I have strength for everything through him who empowers me" (Phil 4:13).  When faced with hardship, don't give in to laziness or despondency; invoke the Spirit who with the gift of fortitude can lift your heart and renew your enthusiasm and discipleship.

Music

• A new commandment/ Ward (gospel); about composer

Reflections

• Creighton:  You can do many small, ordinary things to “bear fruit that will remain.” [gospel complements papal audience]

• DailyScripture.net:  Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, a Spirit-empowered way of love and service.  We prove our love by embracing the cross.  What is the cross in my life?  Doing God's will when it crosses with my own.  If we accept God's way of love, we'll discover joy.

A mark of favor shown in Scripture is being called God's friend.  God called Abraham friend, God spoke with Moses as one "speaks with his friend," and Jesus called his disciples friends.  Friendship includes love beyond duty or loyalty.  "A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity" (Prov 17:17).

• Passionist:  Choose to love and remain with Jesus Christ; love is the answer and will bring us joy.

• Universalis:  St. Matthias, apostle

• Sacred Space

Apparel

• "Dove" pin:  Holy Spirit spoke (1st reading)

• "Gambling" tie:  they cast lots (1st reading)

• "Hearts" suspenders:  Love one another as I love you (gospel)

• "Fruit" pin (between roulette wheel and dice):  Go and bear fruit (gospel)

• Red and white shirt:  red for today, white for Easter season

Dress your life!