HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MATHIAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR (1)

HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. MATHIAS, APOSTLE AND MARTYR

THEME: RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE WITH JESUS

BY: Fr. Francis Onwunali

HOMILY FOR SATURDAY MAY 14 2022

We celebrate today the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle, Martyr. As he could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, he was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. He preached the Gospel more than 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia. Remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sensual and irregular desires. He was stoned to death at Colchis in 80 AD.

The first reading (Acts 1: 15-17, 20-26) gives account of the election of Matthias. This took place between Ascension and Pentecost. Lots were cast between Joseph also known as Barsabbas and Matthias and it fell on Matthias.

In the gospel (John 15: 9-17), Jesus informs that He is the One that chooses and commissions people to go out and bear fruit. All that is needed is that they love one another as He, Jesus, has loved them so as to remain in His love.

Dear friends, we have been chosen and commissioned by virtue of our baptism; we are now in a relationship of love with Jesus as He calls us to obey His commandments. One of the special favours in the Scripture is to be called the friend of God. God called Abraham His friend (Is 41:8), God spoke with Moses as a “man speaks with his friend (Exodus 33: 11). Jesus, the Lord and Master, calls the disciples His friends rather than His servants (John 15: 15). The fire of Christ’s love purifies and transforms His friends so that they can know Him and keep His commandment of love. Do you consider Jesus as truly your friend?

I pray as we journey in life today, we will relate with Jesus as we would a friend in openness and trust. May we see Jesus our friend in all that we meet today and show love. Have a friendly-full day!

Fr. Francis Onwunali