Chosen by God

Homily for the Feast of St. Matthias

The selection of Matthias involved about 120 believers, including the remaining eleven apostles. As is often the case, the number 120 is not an arbitrary choice. In the Book of Genesis, upon reflecting on the wickedness into which humankind had sunk, God limits the life span of human beings to 120 years. This limitation illustrates a shift in God’s relationship with human beings. Chapter five of the Book of Genesis gives us a list of at least ten people who were said to live more that 800 or 900 years. This shift introduces limits that would shape future generations. For instance, Moses is said to have lived 120 years.

Some scholars suggest that 120 was the minimum number required to form a Jewish community with its own council, making it a foundational number for the early church. Even today, although the number has been flexible, the voting members of a conclave is 120 cardinal electors.

Peter led the assembly, explaining the need to replace Judas Iscariot to restore the number of apostles to twelve. The group then nominated two candidates—Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias—and prayed for divine guidance before casting lots to determine God's choice.

This communal decision-making process highlights the early church's reliance on prayer and divine direction, direction supplied by the Holy Spirit, rather than personal preference. The selection of Matthias reflects the principle that God chooses His people, rather than them choosing Him. The apostles did not simply vote or make a personal decision—they prayed for divine guidance, acknowledging that God already knew whom He had chosen. This aligns with Jesus’ words where He tells His disciples, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you”.

We, too, have been chosen by God and called to live according to the commandment that Jesus has given us to love one another as he has loved us. That love is expressed each time that we celebrate the Eucharist.