Bear Fruit in His Name

Bear Fruit in His Name

May 14, 2013

Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle

By Beth DeCristofaro

Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen … Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias. (Acts 1:24, 16)

(Jesus said, ) 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.”  (John 15:13-17)

Piety

Saint Matthias, pray that we may become worthy witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus in the way we live the eternal life we have right now.  (www.catholic.org/saints  )

Study

Once I was asked by a woman going through a tough time in her life, “Do you really believe in “all that?”  She meant God present in my life and particularly the promise of eternal life.  In the surprise of the moment I held her eyes and answered immediately “Absolutely”.  The rest of my response is hazy but I do remember the intensity of our connection and the struggle with disappointment and disbelief that shone in her eyes. 

As we parted later I also told her that I would continue to pray for her and that perhaps she could try praying her disbelief, to ask God for faith and the strength to trust God’s love for her.  My prayer for myself was that I remain confident that God held her in a loving embrace and that my inadequate words and time with her was enough for the moment.   My prayer was that I was indeed a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

Historical information about Matthias is scarce and contradictory.  We do know that he was chosen as a disciple who followed Jesus from the beginning of His ministry.  We do not know if he was martyred in what is present day Georgia or died of old age in Jerusalem.  What we do know is that he was called and he witnessed.  When all traces of our lives have evaporated with time, will the fruits of our witness remain?

Action 

In what way are you ready to witness to the resurrection of Jesus?   Give thanks for all the opportunities Jesus affords us to do so.