Replacement

Acts 1:15,20-26; Ps 113 The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people; John 15:9-17


Today is the feast of St. Matthais, the one chosen to take the place of Judas.

It is often said that it is hard to follow in the footsteps of a good man;  one who follows a good man, has big shoes to fill.

But what is it like to walk in the footsteps of a Judas the betrayer?

Many of us can answer that question for ourselves.

Why did Judas turn?  Peter states it clearly in today's first reading, "Judas turned away to go his own way."

To go his own way.  How often have we done it our way?  How often have we chosen to go our own way rather than let Christ own the way we were going?

It is a temptation all of us must face.  Unlike Sinatra, doing it our way is the way back to the father.

Jesus says "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Here are a few words from Pope Benedict concerning Matthais and Judas: "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.