"Out of the men who have been with us the whole time that the Lord Jesus was living with us, from the time when John was baptizing until the day when he was taken up from us, one must be appointed to serve with us as a witness to his resurrection." (Acts 1: 21-22)
Attributes of the apostle and the witness:
"Father, you called St. Matthias to share in the mission of the apostles. By the help of his prayers, may we receive with joy the love you share with us and be counted among those you have chosen….." (Prayer on the feast of St. Matthias)
The choice, the call and the anointed.
Every Christian has be chosen, called and anointed to share in the mission of the apostles. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of mission will lead and guide each one to his path.
"You have not chosen me; I have chosen you. Go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15: 16)
Lord, lead me; guide me; use me.
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." (Matthew 28: 19 – 20)
Jesus Christ is Emmanuel – "God with us." He promises: "Behold, I am with you always."
At the beginning of his Gospel, St. Matthew writes:
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel." (Matthew 1:21)
At the end of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Jesus promises: "Behold, I am with you always."
Jesus Christ is with us in the Eucharist. He is with us in all the mission fields in the world.
"Go and teach all nations, I am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 19, 20)
Lord, lead me, guide me and use me.