The first baseball Spring training games started today.  Though our winter has a roller coaster of warm and cold, I sense a great longing for the comfort of the beginning of the baseball season

When Judas went down to the injurious sins of greed, and betrayal of Jesus, he turned not to the tree on which Jesus was hanged, but to his own hanging tree. In his place Matthias was tapped to fill out the roster and bring the team of disciples up to full strength.

After Jesus’ ascension, about 120 of Jesus’ followers were gathered when Peter brought up the need to, “Let another take his (Judas) office.”

Peter set out the qualifications.  He must have been with them from the time when John was baptizing.  The new No. 12 would join the 11 disciples in witnessing to Jesus’ resurrection. Two men were nominated to wear no. 12; Joseph, nicknamed Barsabbas, and Matthias.  The disciples prayed that the Lord would show them which one He had chosen. The lot fell on Matthias.

We know little of Matthias beyond what we have in Acts 1.  Tradition places his missionary work in Ethiopia.  The LCMS follows the old tradition of remembering Matthias on February 24.  The Roman Catholic Church moved the day to May 14 so that it fell nearer the time of the Ascension and Pentecost.  Other church bodies have followed suit.

We, the church, might well see ourselves as the 13^th disciple, that through impelling power of the Holy Spirit we move out of our Temples into world in need of witness to the resurrection.

Prayer St, Matthias’ Day: Almighty God, you added your servant Matthias to the company of the apostles.  Grant that your church may always be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 “By all Your Saints in Warfare,” LSB 517.

For one in place of Judas,

Th’ apostles sought God’s choice;

The lot fell to Matthias

For whom we now rejoice.

May we like true apostles

Your holy church defend,

And not betray our calling

But serve You to the end.