Feast of Saint
Matthias, apostle
(Acts1:15-17.20-26; John 15:9-17)
Many like to think of themselves as pro-active. They want to be seen
as autonomous, that is self-directed. The very assertive might call themselves Type-A.
Such individuals run the risk of thinking too much of themselves. In today’s gospel Jesus indicates who really
is in charge, at least of his disciples.
When he says that he has chosen his disciples and not
vice versa, Jesus echoes a basic Old Testament theme. There God is always the actor with the people
responding to his initiatives. The first
reading from Acts gives testimony that the disciples have understood the
lesson. They make no pretense at all
about choosing a successor to Judas but allow God to indicate His choice
casting lots.
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with being an
assertive person. It should be said as well
that casting lots in most circumstances is hardly the best way to determine God’s
will on a matter. However, we do need to
defer to God in prayer before we act and then to give Him thanks for enabling
us to do what we must in any situation. Far
from intending to dominate our will, God wants to lead us to our destiny as His
daughters and sons.
