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.” 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 when we embrace His grace. The
gospel will likewise alleviate 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 think of 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. That is
not death but eternal life. This promise has become Scripture to be
fulfilled. With Jesus at our side as well, there is nothing to
fear. The bad news-good news we hear
from Peter becomes our assurance of reaching our destiny in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment