St Matthias is the Apostle selected to replace Judas Iscariot and so join the Eleven: ‘They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two thou hast chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was enrolled with the eleven apostles’.

And so the number chosen by the Lord, representing the new Israel, enables the Church to proceed according to the will of the Lord. May we too, in all changes that befall us, follow His will in all things, and so rejoice always in His strength. May St Matthias pray for us, and may God bless you this day.