Saint Matthias is an important figure in the New Testament, although details of his life are few. His story is known mainly from the Acts of the Apostles, where he is elected to take the place of Judas Iscariot, the traitor who betrayed Jesus. Matthias is thus one of the twelve apostles chosen to spread the Christian message after Christ's resurrection.
The Election of Saint Matthias
The Context of the Election
The story of the election of Saint Matthias takes place after a time of great crisis among the first disciples of Christ. The betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve Apostles, had deeply shaken the group. Judas, after betraying Jesus by handing him over to the religious authorities, committed suicide by hanging himself, leaving a vacancy among the apostles. This void was not simply a numerical issue, but also a spiritual one, because the group of the Twelve had a special significance. In Jewish tradition, the Twelve symbolized the Twelve tribes of Israel, united under the divine will.
Relic of Saint Matthias on relics.es
After this dramatic event, the other apostles felt the need to restore this symbolic number of Twelve. According to the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:12-14), they gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, a place of intense prayer. It is in this setting that the apostles took a moment of recollection to seek divine guidance. They were not alone in this prayer: they were accompanied by the Virgin Mary and other believers, reinforcing the idea that this choice must be a communal and spiritual act.
The apostles pray fervently, invoking the Holy Spirit to reveal to them the candidate worthy of taking the place left by Judas. This intense prayer testifies to the solemnity of the moment, but also to the spiritual character of the decision which must not be influenced by human or political considerations. It is not a choice made by reason or logic, but by the conviction that God, through the Holy Spirit, will guide the process.
The Selection Process
The selection process, though simple, is profoundly significant. The apostles do not choose a replacement from among themselves by simple human election or decision, but use lots, a symbolic gesture indicating that it is God alone who chooses who should join the group of the Twelve. Two candidates are proposed for the place: Matthias and Joseph, surnamed Barsabbas or Justus. Both men were direct witnesses of the life and teachings of Jesus from the beginning of his ministry. They are therefore both qualified for the role of apostle, having shared the same experiences with Jesus, including his passion, crucifixion, and resurrection.
The drawing of lots, or rather the choice by divine "chance", marks an essential aspect of Christian spirituality: God's choice is unpredictable and does not depend on human criteria. The apostles, in their faith, accept that this choice is not made according to personal considerations, but that it is the result of divine intervention. After having prayed and sought the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they proceed to this drawing of lots.
In this context, the drawing is not a simple game of chance, but an act of total submission to the will of God. This gesture also reflects the apostles' total trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who leads them in the divine direction that they cannot know for themselves.
So it is Matthias who is chosen by the drawing, and he is added to the Twelve Apostles. This moment marks not only the introduction of Matthias into the inner circle of the apostles, but also the beginning of his ministry to those who will continue the work of Christ.
The choice of Matthias, through the drawing of lots, underlines an important idea of early Christianity: the role of the apostles is not a privilege, but a sacred responsibility entrusted by God himself. This gesture of humility and submission to the divine will becomes the foundation of the apostolic ministry of Matthias, who, despite his discretion in the Gospels, will take his place among the great witnesses of Christ.
Thus, the election of St. Matthias is not just an administrative matter, but a spiritual act that reveals how God chooses his instruments. The Apostle Matthias, like the other apostles, is chosen not because of his personal greatness, but by divine calling, which reflects the Christian message of humility and obedience to the will of God.
The Ministry of Saint Matthias
The Evangelization and Ministry of Saint Matthias
The Gospels record little information about the ministry of St. Matthias after his election as an apostle. This biblical silence has fueled various speculations and traditions regarding his actions after joining the Twelve. However, although few details are available, Christian tradition and the writings of early Christians testify to his crucial role in the spread of the Gospel.
St. Matthias is often considered a missionary apostle, sent to proclaim the word of Jesus Christ in remote and sometimes difficult-to-reach areas. Early Christian traditions suggest that he evangelized in places such as Judea, Cappadocia (a mountainous region of Anatolia, in present-day Turkey), and some accounts even speak of Ethiopia, one of the oldest centers of Christianity. The diversity of the places mentioned testifies to the extent of his ministry and his commitment to transmitting the Good News in varied territories.
The apostolic mission of Saint Matthias was characterized by great fidelity to the call of Christ. He is described as a persevering apostle, full of zeal for the Gospel, who did not hesitate to travel long distances and face many challenges to establish Christian communities. Although no precise details are provided on the nature of his preaching, it is likely that he acted as a true witness to the risen Christ, proclaiming the word of Jesus and baptizing those who believed. Christian tradition depicts him as a discreet apostle, but deeply involved in the building up of the early Church.
His mission is therefore situated in the context of the foundation of the Church, at a time when the first Christian communities were emerging, in a context where faith in Jesus Christ was often poorly perceived and persecuted. Despite this, Saint Matthias, alongside the other apostles, helped to establish the foundations of a Church that would grow and spread throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond.
The Traditions of Martyrdom
The death of Saint Matthias is shrouded in mystery, as is often the case with early Christians and martyrs. According to several Christian traditions, he died a martyr's death, which attests to the extreme fidelity he devoted to his mission. Several ancient sources speak of the manner in which he was stoned and then beheaded for his faith. This violent death underlines Matthias' determination to remain faithful to the Gospel, even at the cost of his life.
However, other traditions differ somewhat on the exact manner of his death. Some sources claim that he was crucified for his faith, like other apostles. This tradition of crucifixion refers to the idea that he suffered a martyrdom similar to that of his Lord, Jesus Christ, who was crucified for his teachings. Still others indicate that Matthias lived a long life of prayer and preaching before dying a natural death, which contrasts with the idea of a bloody martyrdom, but which in no way diminishes the greatness of his witness and his commitment to the propagation of the Christian faith.
In any case, the main thing remains that Saint Matthias is honored for his unwavering fidelity to his mission as an apostle. His life and death are seen as a model of dedication and love for Christ, whom he never denied, even in times of persecution. This testimony of total faith and sacrifice has made him a symbol of courage and perseverance for Christians of all times.
Thus, the figure of Saint Matthias is celebrated not only for his role in spreading the Gospel, but also for his martyrdom, which represents the height of his commitment. His life and ministry are living testimonies of the Christian call to evangelization, to obedience to the divine will and to the courage to carry the cross of Christ, even in the most difficult moments.
The Celebration of Saint Matthias
The Feast of Saint Matthias
The Feast of Saint Matthias is an important moment in the Christian liturgical calendar. In the Catholic Church, it is celebrated on May 14, the day that commemorates the election of Matthias among the Apostles. This date marks a key moment in the history of the Church, symbolizing the importance of faithfulness to the divine call and the spread of the Gospel throughout the world. The feast is therefore an opportunity for Christians to remember the crucial role that Matthias played in spreading the message of Jesus, while reflecting on the nature of God's call and the commitment needed to respond to it.
The election of Matthias, although not an event directly linked to the earthly life of Jesus, illustrates the continuation of the apostolic mission and the importance of transmitting the divine message through the generations. Christians are invited, on this day, to meditate on their own fidelity to the mission that God entrusts to them, whether it be of a spiritual, missionary or daily nature. The feast of Saint Matthias also reminds believers that every call, whether ministerial or lay, must be lived in faith and perseverance.
In the Orthodox Church, the feast of Saint Matthias is celebrated on August 9. Although the date differs, the message remains the same: to honor this saint whose call and fidelity to Christ are a model for all believers. In the East, this celebration occupies an important place, especially for the Christian communities in the regions near Cappadocia, where tradition evokes the evangelization of Saint Matthias.
The liturgical services of May 14 (or August 9) include biblical readings highlighting Matthias's choice, as well as hymns that highlight his role among the apostles and his dedication to the Christian cause. In some countries, the day is marked by processions, special prayers, and moments of community reflection.
Saint Matthias: Patron Saint of Engineers and Butchers
Beyond his apostolic mission and martyrdom, St. Matthias is also recognized as the patron saint of several professions, including engineers and butchers. These patronage attributions are representative of the idea that the saint embodies essential human values, such as perseverance, strength, and fidelity, qualities that are particularly important in these professions.
As the patron saint of engineers, St. Matthias is invoked by those who work in construction, design, and architecture. His role as an apostle, often seen as a spiritual builder of the Church, makes him a role model for those who work in physical construction, as well as in the construction of minds and souls. Engineers, in their work of planning, building, and creating, can look to St. Matthias as a model of long-term vision and perseverance in the face of challenges.
As the patron saint of butchers, another profession seemingly far removed from his apostolic calling, St. Matthias is seen as a model of physical strength and the ability to endure difficult and sometimes unrewarding tasks. The role of the butcher, requiring great physical endurance and a sense of practical work, is symbolized by the strength and determination of St. Matthias, who was able to respond to the divine call with unwavering faith.
The devotion to Saint Matthias in these professions testifies to the impact he has had on the daily lives of believers throughout the centuries. He is seen not only as an apostle of the word, but also as an intercessor for those who devote themselves to works of strength, perseverance and responsibility. In this sense, his feast is not only an occasion to celebrate the spiritual history of the Church, but also to recognize the dignity of daily work and the importance of commitment in all aspects of life.
Thus, the feast of Saint Matthias goes far beyond the commemoration of his election among the Apostles; it is a time for Christians to reflect on how every vocation, whether religious or secular, can be lived in fidelity to the divine call. Saint Matthias, through his example of faith and dedication, continues to inspire and guide believers in all areas of life.
Conclusion: An Apostle of the Unknown
St. Matthias remains an example of dedication and faith, even if his story is not as detailed as that of the other apostles. His election by lot is a reminder that God often chooses those who are discreet and humble, but fully faithful to his mission. As an apostle and martyr, St. Matthias embodies Christian courage and perseverance in faith, whatever path God has laid out for him.
