Commemoratio: Feria Tertia infra Hebdomadam I in Quadragesima
On this noble feast of Saint Matthias the Apostle, falling amid the sobriety of Quadragesima, Holy Mother Church places before us two luminous passages: the election of Matthias in Acts 1:15–26 and the gracious invitation of Our Lord in Matthew 11:25–30. In them, we behold both the divine constitution of the Church and the interior disposition required of her children.
“His Bishopric Let Another Take” (Acts 1:15–26)
In the upper room, between Ascension and Pentecost, the infant Church stands in expectant silence. Peter rises among the brethren—about one hundred and twenty souls—and exercises, for the first time after the Resurrection, his Petrine office. The betrayal of Judas has left a wound, and Scripture must be fulfilled.
Saint John Chrysostom notes that Peter does not act precipitously nor alone, but within the visible body of the disciples, showing that the Church is neither a hidden fellowship nor a formless enthusiasm, but a structured communion under lawful authority (Homilies on Acts, III). The Apostolic college must remain twelve, for it signifies the twelve tribes of Israel—the restored People of God.
Two men are proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas, and Matthias. Both are qualified; both have accompanied the Lord from the baptism of John until the Ascension. Yet the final choice is left to God: “Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two Thou hast chosen.”
Saint Bede observes that although the Apostles cast lots, they do so only after prayer, teaching us that even lawful human means must be subordinated to divine providence. The lot is not superstition, but an act of surrender to God’s omniscience (In Actus Apostolorum Expositio).
And thus Matthias is chosen—not by ambition, not by self-assertion, but by divine election.
How fitting that this feast falls in Lent. For Matthias’ call was hidden, silent, and unrecorded in personal detail. The Church preserves no grand speeches of his, no epistles bearing his name. His greatness lies in his fidelity, not in renown. As Saint Gregory the Great teaches, “The saints are known by God even when unknown to men” (Homilies on the Gospels, XX).
In Judas we see the tragedy of vocation betrayed. In Matthias, the quiet triumph of perseverance.
“I Thank Thee, Father…” (Matt 11:25–30)
The Gospel seems at first to stand apart from the Acts narrative, yet it reveals the interior key to apostolic election.
Our Lord exults: “I confess to Thee, O Father… because Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to little ones.”
Saint Augustine remarks that the “wise and prudent” are those inflated with pride, while the “little ones” are the humble who submit their intellect to divine truth (Sermon 67). Matthias was not selected for brilliance of rhetoric or worldly authority, but because he had persevered quietly in discipleship. He was among the “little ones.”
Then comes the tender invitation:
“Come to Me, all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.”
In Lent, we feel the weight of penance; in apostolic life, the weight of responsibility; in fallen humanity, the weight of sin. Yet Christ does not abolish the yoke—He transforms it.
Saint John Chrysostom writes that Christ’s yoke is light not because it lacks demands, but because love makes obedience sweet (Homilies on Matthew, XXXVIII). The yoke of Judas was heavy because he bore it in avarice and duplicity. The yoke of Matthias was light because he bore it in humility.
Saint Augustine beautifully explains: “What is lighter than a burden borne by love?” (Sermon 70). Love changes weight into wings.
Apostolicity and Lenten Humility
These readings together illuminate two great mysteries:
- The Church is visibly apostolic, founded upon divinely chosen men and governed in order.
- The Church is interiorly humble, composed of those who become “little” before God.
Lent disposes us to both truths. It strips away illusion. It reveals whether we resemble Judas—clinging to hidden sin—or Matthias—persevering in quiet fidelity.
Saint Matthias teaches us:
- to remain faithful when unnoticed,
- to accept God’s will without spectacle,
- to bear Christ’s yoke in humility.
As we continue the first week of Quadragesima, the Church invites us to ask:
Are we striving to be counted among the great—or content to be chosen by God alone?
May Saint Matthias, Apostle and silent witness, intercede for us, that we may be numbered among the persevering at the coming of the Holy Ghost, and find rest for our souls beneath the sweet yoke of Christ.
Sancte Matthia Apostole, ora pro nobis.