In our reading today from Acts today, we heart how Matthias was chosen to replace Judas in the group of apostles. He was chosen before the descent of the Holy Spirit, but the choice of Matthias was not made by the risen Christ, but by the other eleven apostles. Tradition passes down that the apostles were sent to different parts of the world to spread the Good News. James went to Spain, Thomas went to India, and Matthias went to Ethiopia where he died as a martyr. Just as pilgrims believe that James' remains are laid to rest in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, it is believed that the remains of Matthias are located at the Abbey of St Matthias in Trier, Germany, having been brought there by Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. Just as the remains of St James were rediscovered by a hermit in the 9th century in Spain, the remains of St Matthias were rediscovered there in the 13th century, at which time the abbey became a popular place of pilgrimage.
Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have challenged us as modern believers to undertake a new evangelization in the world. We have heard this term “new evangelization” very often. Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis saw this new evangelization as an attempt to evangelize our own corner of the world, especially those of us who live in the traditionally Christian countries were our faith is often under attack and where a lot of people have left the faith or have become inactive. Pope Francis saw all Christians called to this new evangelization. St Matthias and the other apostles are great examples of evangelization for us. St Matthias faced many unknowns and many challenges as he preached the Gospel throughout the world. We also are faced with challenges as we bring the Gospel to others. May we be inspired to live in the spirit of the Early Church and to energetically witness to our world.
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