May 14, St. Matthias

The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people. — Psalm 113:8

Mass readings: Acts 1:15-17,20-26 / John 15:9-17

The Die is Cast 

I wonder how Matthias felt when the disciples cast lots to determine Judas’ successor. We learn in the first reading that he and Barsabbas were the two candidates for the job, and casting lots was a common means of decision making during biblical times. The “lots” could be sticks, stones, or pebbles drawn or thrown from a container; it was the equivalent to today’s tossing a coin or shooting dice. Recall that the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ garments at the crucifixion. Ironically, when Matthias won, he learned his “lot” in life. 

It would be demeaning today to earn a job promotion through a game of chance rather than effort and hard work. However, Matthias’ fate might have been determined, not by lots, but by the fact that before the disciples tossed the stones — “they prayed.” 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help all those looking for work and those beginning new jobs.