The school kids play a hand game called Rock, Paper, Scissors: Rock crushes Scissors, Scissors cut Paper, and Paper covers Rock. The winner gets to go first. They choose randomly, and all agree that it is fair. In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Matthias is selected “by lot,” which means drawing the short straw. The people recognized that this random decision was made by God, and they all accepted it. The “lot,” as it were, fell on Matthias to replace Judas, who betrayed Jesus. He qualified because he met Jesus after His Resurrection. Jesus chose 12 to follow Him and bring the Gospel to the world. So, St. Matthias, with courage and faith, restored the order. Church History records that Mathias preached the Gospel to barbarians and even cannibals in the interior regions of Ethiopia. In Stomata II.4 of an ancient book, St. Clement of Alexandria reiterated that the Nicolaitans reported St. Matthias saying, “We must combat our flesh, set no value upon it, and concede to it nothing that can flatter it, but rather increase the growth of our soul by faith and knowledge.” St. Matthias died a martyr of the Faith, having already sacrificed everything for Jesus. Gospel Challenge: I must admit that reading about saints like Matthias humbles me deeply, especially when I reflect on how he sacrificed everything for Jesus. Sometimes, it feels almost embarrassing to desire a cup of coffee that would break the fast for Holy Communion. What we can do is accept gratefully and patiently any little crosses and disappointments that may come our way. We embrace them joyfully for the greater good God is waiting to give us. I think of it as a little resurrection from selfishness. Let’s act not to strengthen our Faith, but because we already possess that Faith and love for Jesus. Remember our love for Jesus, for He said, “With Me, nothing is impossible.” Love Your Neighbor! Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C www.bscchurch.com www.rosminians.com
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Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for the Feast of St. Matthias Apostle
May 14, 2026, John 15:9-17
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/051426-Thursday
All For Jesus
The school kids play a hand game called Rock, Paper, Scissors: Rock crushes
Scissors, Scissors cut Paper, and Paper covers Rock. The winner gets to go first. They
choose randomly, and all agree that it is fair.
In today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Matthias is selected “by lot,”
which means drawing the short straw. The people recognized that this random decision
was made by God, and they all accepted it.
The “lot,” as it were, fell on Matthias to replace Judas, who betrayed Jesus. He qualified
because he met Jesus after His Resurrection. Jesus chose 12 to follow Him and bring
the Gospel to the world. So, St. Matthias, with courage and faith, restored the order.
Church History records that Mathias preached the Gospel to barbarians and even
cannibals in the interior regions of Ethiopia.
In Stomata II.4 of an ancient book, St. Clement of Alexandria reiterated that the
Nicolaitans reported St. Matthias saying, “We must combat our flesh, set no value upon
it, and concede to it nothing that can flatter it, but rather increase the growth of our soul
by faith and knowledge.”
St. Matthias died a martyr of the Faith, having already sacrificed everything for Jesus.
Gospel Challenge:
I must admit that reading about saints like Matthias humbles me deeply, especially
when I reflect on how he sacrificed everything for Jesus. Sometimes, it feels almost
embarrassing to desire a cup of coffee that would break the fast for Holy Communion.
What we can do is accept gratefully and patiently any little crosses and
disappointments that may come our way. We embrace them joyfully for the greater good
God is waiting to give us. I think of it as a little resurrection from selfishness.
Let’s act not to strengthen our Faith, but because we already possess that Faith and
love for Jesus. Remember our love for Jesus, for He said, “With Me, nothing is
impossible.”
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C
www.bscchurch.com
www.rosminians.com
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