The Liturgical Home: St. Matthias, the Apostle Who Replaced Judas
On February 24th, the Church honors St. Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and death. Unlike the other apostles, Matthias was not called by Jesus during his earthly ministry, yet he had been a devoted follower from the time of Jesus’ baptism to his Ascension. His selection was not by chance but an act of God’s leading, ensuring that the twelve apostles, the foundation of the Church, remained whole.
Though often overlooked, St. Matthias’s story is a reminder that God calls ordinary, faithful people to extraordinary missions. He was not one of the original twelve, nor was he seeking status, yet he was chosen because of his quiet devotion to Jesus. His life testifies to the power of humble, steadfast faithfulness and his story reminds us that God works in the hidden places, preparing us for his purposes in ways we may not even recognize.
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Walking Through the Story: St. Matthias in Scripture
After Jesus’ Ascension, the disciples gathered to pray and discern how to fill the empty place left by Judas. Peter stood among them and declared the need to restore the Twelve, the number signifying completeness, and the tribes of Israel. He presented the qualifications:
“Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”
Acts 1:21-22
Two men met these criteria: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. The apostles did not rely on their own judgment but turned to prayer, asking the Lord for his guidance:
“Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.”
Acts 1:24
They cast lots, an ancient Jewish practice used to seek God’s will, and Matthias was chosen. With that, he was counted among the twelve apostles.
The Ministry of St. Matthias
While the Bible does not provide any more information about Matthias’s ministry, there are varied and conflicting traditions from the early Church.
According to Greek tradition, St. Matthias spread Christianity in regions such as Cappadocia and along the Caspian Sea, primarily residing near the port of Issus.
Another account by the historian Nicephorus suggests that Matthias first preached in Judea before traveling to Aethiopia, identified with the area around Colchis in modern-day Georgia, where he was crucified.
The “Synopsis of Dorotheus” adds that Matthias preached to barbarians in the interior of Ethiopia, near the sea harbor of Hyssus at the mouth of the river Phasis.
Death of St. Matthias
Traditions regarding Matthias’s death also vary:
- One tradition holds that he was stoned and then beheaded in Jerusalem.
- Another account states that he was crucified in Colchis.
- According to Hippolytus of Rome, Matthias died of old age in Jerusalem.
Due to these varying accounts, the exact details of St. Matthias’s ministry and martyrdom remain uncertain. Nonetheless, his dedication to spreading the Gospel and his role as an apostle are universally acknowledged and honored within the Christian tradition.
What is Casting Lots?
Casting lots was an ancient practice used to discern God’s will or make decisions. The Jews believed that it was not mere luck or superstition that guided the process but the will of God. It is mentioned several times in the Bible, including when the apostles cast lots to choose St. Matthias (Acts 1:26). Though the exact method varied, it typically involved one of the following:
- Marked Stones or Pieces of Wood – Small stones, pottery shards, or wooden pieces were marked, then placed into a vessel and shaken. The first to fall out, or the one drawn, determined the outcome.
- Dice or Similar Objects – Some scholars believe that something similar to dice was used, though not necessarily shaped the same way.
- Drawing Straws – Participants could pull sticks or straws of different lengths, with the shortest or marked one determining the answer.
- Urim and Thummim – The high priest of Israel used these mysterious objects (Exodus 28:30), likely stones or lots kept in the breastplate, to discern God’s guidance.
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias
1. Read Acts 1:15-26. Gather your family, read the passage, and reflect on how God calls and equips people for His purposes.
2. Pray for faithfulness. St. Matthias was chosen because he had faithfully followed Jesus. Pray that God would strengthen your own faithfulness in hidden and quiet ways.
3. Learn about the Church in Ethiopia. Since Matthias is believed to have spread the Gospel there, take time to learn about Ethiopian Christianity, which traces its roots back to the apostolic age.
4. Make Dabo Kolo. This Ethiopian snack is a crunchy, spiced treat often enjoyed with coffee. Scroll down for the recipe!
5. Give to those in need. Consider giving your Lenten alms to a ministry serving in Ethiopia, such as the Anglican Relief and Development Fund.
Dabo Kolo (Spicy Ethiopian Snack)
These bite-sized, crunchy nuggets are a popular Ethiopian snack made with simple ingredients but packed with flavor. Traditionally enjoyed with coffee, they are a delicious way to honor St. Matthias’s connection to Ethiopia!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and sugar.
- Add the vegetable oil and water, stirring to form a dough.
- Knead until smooth, then roll into thin ropes and cut into small pieces.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the pieces, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crisp.
Image: Apostle Matthias by Peter Paul Rubens (ca. 1611), courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
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