Matthias was chosen as an apostle to replace Judas. Joseph Barsabbas was not chosen; he was passed over. Have you ever been passed over for a job promotion, turned down for a prettier girl or guy, or lost out to your sibling for a parent's attention? Now what do you do?
All we know about Joseph is the following:
After Matthias was chosen, we hear no more about Joseph. However, it's likely that Joseph responded to being "un-chosen" by living the same faithful, committed life as always. Joseph may not have been chosen, but he was choose-able.
Like Joseph, we can be faithful slaves of God, "each of [us] doing only what the Lord assigned" us (1 Cor 3:5). Even if passed over for some position or favor, we are always "chosen and precious in the sight of God" (1 Pt 2:4, RNAB). Choose to stay faithful, thankful, and humble.
| PRAYER: | Father, I am Your servant. Do with me as You will. I will serve you with gladness in whatever way You choose (Ps 100:2). |
| PROMISE: | "He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill He lifts up the poor." –Ps 113:7 |
| PRAISE: | St. Matthias was the first of countless successors of the Apostles. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College