"the dirty work"
"The choice fell to Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles." —Acts 1:26
The Lord used several people to prepare the way for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the first Pentecost. Mary was interceding, Peter came back from his triple denial of Christ and began to lead, and Matthias said "Yes" to the difficult calling of taking Judas' place.
Matthias took a job in which the last guy disgracefully sold Jesus and then committed suicide. The apostles were locked up by fear, hurt, and trauma, but Matthias answered God's call despite the impossible circumstances.
Before the Holy Spirit comes this year, we need new Matthiases to take the jobs that not many people want, to do the work sure to be unappreciated, to love those who will not reciprocate, and to serve those who will respond with persecution. Remember, we don't choose what we want to do. Jesus the Lord does the choosing; we do the obeying. Jesus said: "It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you" (Jn 15:16).
The Spirit is given to those who obey God (Acts 5:32). Obey God's call on your life. Put yourself even in a painful position. Take up your daily cross (Lk 9:23). Then "receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22).
Prayer: Jesus, I've tried to avoid the most important calls in my life. I surrender to You. Come, Holy Spirit!
Promise: "As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you. Live on in My love." —Jn 15:9
Praise: St. Matthias faithfully followed Jesus throughout His public ministry (Acts 1:21-22), answered God's call, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit fell upon him.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Job Performance for Jesus, or on audio AV 43-3 or video V-43.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006
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