Thought for the Day - May 14^th  2020. Festival of St Matthias, Apostle.

Not a great deal is known about Matthias, except that he was chosen to replace Judas, after Judas Iscariot had betrayed Jesus.

Qualifications:--It had to be somebody who had been with Jesus during His earthly Ministry and a witness to His Resurrection.

Candidates:--There were just two candidates, Joseph, called Barsabus and Matthias.

Election and Selection:----The Apostles prayed and “they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven Apostles.(Acts 1.)

Why this method??   It was thought that by choosing by lot-----it was God’s choice , rather than the choice of mortals.

I wonder how Matthias felt in this new Ministry?  Would he be accepted or criticised? Probably the same emotions as people feel today when they start a new job amid established and experienced colleagues.

We hold in our prayers those starting new jobs, that they will be supported and encouraged,also those returning to work in very different and challenging circumstances from a few weeks ago.

We belong together: we must work through solutions together. Lord, keep us steadfast in your truth.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14 v1.