The Work Goes On

Part of every person’s personal mission is to accomplish something in life. Whether it be some rare scientific discovery or merely being known for great art, all human beings are driven by accomplishment. The problem is, we are so focused on our accomplishments that we forget God’s work.

In those days, the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away; and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaios and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. In those days Peter stood up among the brethren (the company of persons was in all about a hundred and twenty), and said, “Brethren, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David, concerning Judas who was guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this ministry. “So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us — one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justos, 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.

Acts 1:12-17, 21-26

Today the Church commemorates the Holy Apostle Matthias, the successor to Judas. He was called by God and the Church to continue the work that Judas had begun. That being said, it wasn’t even Judas’ work, but God’s work that Christ had begun.

The work of God, which began with Creation and the Garden, continues from generation to generation. We ‘pick up’ where another generation ‘leaves off’ before we leave the work to another generation.

I just wish that we were driven to accomplish God’s work as much as our own. When was the last time you considered what God has called you to accomplish, as compared to your personal dreams and goals for your life?

Our personal dreams and goals end when we are in the grave. God’s work must continue. That is the lesson of today’s commemoration. The remaining Holy Apostles understood that Judas’ part was over, but the work was not. Saint Matthias was chosen to continue the work of God.

In honor of Saint Matthias today, I invite you to consider how you can dedicate your life to the continuation of God’s work in the Church. You may not be called to be a priest, but there is more work than the holy priesthood. Many more twelve served Christ during His ministry.

There are many ways you can help with God’s work. The Church needs teachers, singers, cooks, cleaners, administrators, plumbers, electricians, painters, carpenters, landscapers, bricklayers, lawyers, etc. Not everyone is called to be a priest, but everyone is called to work.

Once we begin to see that our talents can serve God’s work, then we understand why He gave us these gifts in the first place. Saint Mathias was called to “become a witness” to the resurrection of Christ. Now maybe we can use our time to be witnesses today. The work goes on.