Matthias

Matthias holds a unique place in the story of the apostles: he was chosen by lot to replace Judas Iscariot, restoring the number of the Twelve after the betrayal and death of Jesus' former disciple. The first chapter of Acts tells us that Matthias had been with Jesus from the very beginning — from the baptism of John all the way to the Ascension — yet he had remained in the background, unnamed and unnoticed until this decisive moment.

The selection process was remarkable. Peter declared that one of the men who had accompanied Jesus throughout His ministry must be chosen as a witness to the Resurrection. Two candidates were put forward: Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias. The community prayed, asking God to show which one He had chosen, and then cast lots. The lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered among the Eleven. This was the last recorded use of lots in Scripture — after Pentecost, the Holy Spirit would guide the Church's decisions directly.

Although Matthias appears nowhere else in the New Testament, tradition holds that he preached the Gospel in Judea, Cappadocia, and Ethiopia. Some traditions say he was martyred by stoning and beheading. In Catholic theology, Matthias represents the faithful disciple who serves quietly, without recognition, for years — and is ready when God's call finally comes. His story teaches that faithfulness in obscurity is never wasted, and that God sees and honours those whom the world overlooks.