Remain in my love

In Acts, Matthias was chosen by lot to replace Judas in the apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away (1:26). Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the high priest and bought a parcel of land with his wages. He met a tragic end when he fell headlong. This is another story of Judas’ tragic end, different from the more familiar suicide by hanging (Mt 27:5). Notwithstanding this painful incident, the mission of the Apostles continues, with another taking Judas’ office.

Matthias was in the company of Jesus the whole time of his public ministry, though not part of the Twelve (Apostles). Now he is counted with the Eleven, completing the group that serves as the foundation pillars of the nascent Church. The Gospel harps back to the paroimia (figure of speech) of the Vine and the Branches, emphasizing the necessity of remaining in Jesus for the disciples to bear fruit. The betrayal of Judas Iscariot painfully illustrates what happens when one separates himself from Jesus and the community.

Sadly, there are believers today who, for one reason or another, abandon the faith and leave the Church. They have been wounded or have gone cold in their spiritual life. Pope Francis says that the Church is called to be the house of the Father, with its doors always open if people come there looking for God (Evangelii Gaudium, 47).

First Reading • Acts 1:15-17, 20-26 Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers and sisters (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place).

He said, “My brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. Judas was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it. and: May another take his office.

Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.”

So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles.

Gospel • John 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples: “As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.

This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.

It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”