Saint Study Podcast

Podcast # 111

Hello everyone and welcome to Saint Study Episode 111 – “St. Matthias The Apostle”
- Thank you for joining us – maybe we can all learn enough today that by the end of the program we will say, “I didn’t know that” (But now I do!)
- What is a saint? A Canonized Saint is someone recognized by the Church as having led a life of great charity & heroic virtue. Their example of how to conquer any sin imaginable is so important that it was worth recognizing these men & women in a significant way. Anyone (canonized or not) whose soul was cleansed in Purgatory and now resides in Heaven is a Saint. It is every Christian’s goal to become a saint.
We always begin our learning by inviting the Holy Spirit to be with us…
- In the Name Of The Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Amen.
- Dear Heavenly Father we ask you to be with us as we hear about the lives of your Saints. We ask that our minds be open and that you may fill us with the knowledge that was so loved by the men and women who lived lives of heroic virtue and great charity. Allow us to understand and emulate these Saints who we now know are in your company. In your name we pray, Amen.
Let’s look at The Saint for this weeks study St. Matthias…
- Saints Birth, Life-Bio, Death, Feast Day,
  - Matthias means “gift of Yahweh”
  - No traditions handed down of his early life.
  - Was an early disciple (follower) of Jesus before Jesus died on the cross.
  - Was a witness to Jesus’ crucifixion
  - After the ascension Peter decides it is most important that a successor for the “office” that Judas left vacant must be filled. (I.E. – The Bishop of Jerusalem, The Bishop of Peoria, The Bishop of …)
  - (Acts 1, 15-26)
    - During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,” My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language 'Akeldama,' that is, Field of Blood. For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.' And: 'May another take his office. Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

In that reading - did you pick up on that point where it is a group of 120? These were all followers of Christ from which Matthias was chosen from.
The passage tells us how Peter acting as the Head of the Christian Church could have chosen a successor for Judas’ office, instead, not wanting to show favor insisted they pray on it and put forth the names of those thought most worthy of the position.
The Names of Joseph (called Barsabas) and Matthias are put forth to Peter.
Peter reminds them this is not just his idea but that it has a scriptural basis. The number 12 is important. It refers to the Old Testament and the twelve tribes of Israel.
Peter thought this more important than any other matters that awaited the new church.
Still not wanting to show favor, Peter had them draw lots as to determine who next would be the next Apostle.
(Read Acts 1, 24-26) Then they prayed, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place." Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Matthias was decided upon as being the next Apostle.
This is an often misunderstood action taken by Peter. “The miraculous dreams or lots, which we read of in the prophets, must no ways authorize any rash superstitious use of such means in others who have not the like authority.” (From EWTN)
Matthias was motivated by Judas’ fall, realizing that even an apostle come be tempted by sin and to be on guard against it at all times.
St. Matthias preached the Gospel for more than 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard to all its sensual and irregular desires.
Martyred AD 80. Stoned to death at Colchis. Some accounts say he was crucified.
Some relics in the abatical church of Triers, others in Saint Mary Major in Rome
Feast Day – May 14

Patronage
- is the patron saint for
  - against alcoholism
  - against smallpox;
  - carpenters
  - Gary, Indiana, diocese of
  - Great Falls-Billings, Montana, diocese of
  - reformed alcoholics
  - tailors
Conclusions – Interesting notes about their life or sainthood
- Referring to Judas… “We draw from this a final lesson: while there is no lack of unworthy and traitorous Christians in the Church, it is up to each of us to counterbalance the evil done by them with our clear witness to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.” (EWTN – His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI)
Email –
- Very nice email from “Chad” also from Central Illinois.

He writes “Excellent work on your podcast. You are a great example on how Catholics can use the media to spread our faith. I may suggest to my computer teacher that one of your podcasts be played during her class. Once again I would like to say that you, and many others, are pioneers on a great frontier of a new, faith-sharing media.” Thank you for helping many Catholics understand their faith a little more.

Preview of next episode – Episode 112 “St. John The Apostle”
References, Plugs & Web Sites
- EWTN Television Network
- www.ewtn.com – Best reference site
- www.saints.sqpn.com
- http://www.usccb.org The US Conference of Catholic Bishops
- www.newadvent.org
- The New American Bible
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If you have a question for SaintStudy or if there is a Saint you would like us to do a program on let us know at feedback@saintstudy.org or send a message on Facebook where SaintStudy has a group.

May The Peace of our Lord

Be always with you…Have a good day!