Feast of Saint Matthias, apostle
(Acts 1:15-17.20-26;
John 15:9-17)
Today’s reading from
Acts gives us hope and a warning. Peter
proclaims, “’The Scripture had to be fulfilled.’” He is referring to Psalm 41 which says: “Even
the friend who had my trust, who shared my table, has scorned me.” But his statement also rings true
generally. Scripture, the Word of God, will
be fulfilled. It includes the good news
that God exonerates us from sin and alleviates the fear deep within that our
sins and shortcomings will ruin us.
Peter’s message
implies that those of us who betray Jesus will be punished. Whether because they do not follow Jesus’
teachings or because they absolutely reject Jesus as Lord, betrayers will be ousted
from the community of the saved. This
judgment may sound harsh until we realize all the ways Jesus has favored us.
Do you suppose Matthias
was happy to be chosen to replace Judas?
Maybe not! The apostles were told
that they would suffer the fate of Jesus, which meant a violent death. Yet he promised
as well that he would accompany them until the end. This promise has become Scripture to be fulfilled. With Jesus at our side the good news-bad news
we hear from Peter become our assurance of overcoming the trials we face.
No comments:
Post a Comment