Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

Saint Matthias the Apostle was born in the land of Israel, though the details of his early life are not known. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that he had followed Jesus faithfully from the time of John the Baptist’s ministry until the Lord’s Ascension. After Judas’ tragic betrayal and death, the infant Church sought a witness who could stand with the Eleven. In prayer, the disciples entrusted the choice to God, cast lots, and Matthias was numbered among the Twelve—an enduring sign that apostolic mission is a gift received, not seized. Little is recorded of his later labors, but Christian tradition remembers him preaching Christ with courage in places near and far, and venerates him as a martyr who sealed his witness with his blood. His relics are especially honored at Trier in Germany, one of his patronages. He is also invoked by tailors, by alcoholics and those struggling with alcoholism, and against smallpox. His feast day is August 9.