The Prophet was in terrible pain and filled with despair. Life looked meaningless… He was in service for years. Many a revelation had been announced to the people. He preached the mercy and love of the Lord on different venues. The call to conversion was preached over and over again; but people remained stubborn and there was no change. Miracles have taken place. Even those who witnessed it do not care to change their ways.

Why should I work hard? The Prophet was in dilemma thinking that his life is fruitless. Suddenly his mind turned against God. Lifting his tear filled eyes to the sky, he said; “Lord, you know the past and future. You even knew that this stubborn people are not going to change at all. Then why did you entrust me with this mission? Why to make my life spoil without benefiting anyone? I am not ready to prophesy anymore…”

Then came the voice of the Lord through the gentle breeze. “…Your pain is the same as that of anyone who is called to be a prophet. Though fruitless, you are to convey my messages to the people. Because that is your call and mission. Life becomes meaningful to the extent you showed commitment to your call. It is not your responsibility to make people convert. You are called to make them aware of the revelations that I give to you.”

Why should I work hard this way?
What use in loving all these people?
Is there any result after my hard work?

Sometimes these kind of thoughts rule our heart. Fruitless toil will fill us with despair and sorrow. But do not give up. Because, that is your call and mission. Do not hesitate to love, though there is nothing to expect fruitful. People would be defiant, but do not give up preaching. Though fruitless, we should work harder and harder.

Jesus knew that the merits of His passion and death would be wasted by someone like Judas and others. Even then Jesus died for them too; He fulfilled His mission. We should not expect anything on our toil. Work hard for the Church, family, institutions and firms. For, that is our call and mission. Though fruitless, there will be reward. Let us remember the beautiful words of Mother Teresa, ‘we are called not to be successful but to be faithful.’

Prayer: Lord, help us to overcome the pain of fruitless toil and unaccepted love. Teach us that the meaningfulness of life lies in sincere hard work, not in the success of the plans we entertain. Amen.

- – - written by Benny Punnathara

She loves God,
she is in love with Him
and her heart sings
salvation’s joyful hymn.

She knows God,
she prays morning and night
and her every groaning
brings all of her sin to light.

She understands God,
she reads and studies the Word
and her ears are open
to the truth that she has heard.

She trusts God,
she has put her life in His hand
and her feet willingly go
to the places, He has planned.

She believes God,
she has faith in all of His ways
and her soul will follow Him
for the rest of her living days.

She is in love with the Lord,
yes, I so do love Him . . .
and my soul will forever sing
salvation’s joyful hymn!

- – - written by Deborah Ann Belka

God wants me to be myself
For He created me this way,
And since God made me who I am,
Myself I’m quite content to stay.

In His eyes I’m good enough -
It matters not what others say;
I need not act as if I’m tough
Or copy other children’s ways.

God doesn’t care if I’m not cool -
If I’m not stronger; thinner;
In His hands I am a tool
To reach out to another sinner.

Though I am still young and small
In Jesus Christ I’m strong and tall;
So when people look at me
May it be God’s own Son they see.

- – - written by Belinda van Rensburg

Repent -
said He
for you have wounded you
Repent -
said He
for you have wounded Me

Repent -
said He
and I will reveal your self
Repent -
said He
and I will reveal Me

Repent -
said He
and I will cleanse your sin
and I will break your bondage
and I will free your soul

Repent -
said He
and I will draw you to Me
Repent -
said He
and I will draw near you

Repent -
said He
and I will take your hand
Repent -
said He
and I will make you Love

Repent -
said He
and I will bring the Kingdom
and I will bring my fruits
and I will bring the new man

Repent -
said He
and I will show my glory
Repent -
said He
and I will make us One

Matthias was the apostle chosen by the remaining eleven apostles to replace Judas Iscariot following Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and suicide. His calling as an apostle is unique in that his appointment was not made personally by Jesus, who had already ascended to heaven, and, it was made before the descending of the Holy Spirit upon the early Church.

The Greek Matthias, is a name derived from Mattathias, Hebrew Mattithiah, signifying “Gift of Yahweh“

The Apostle Selection

According to Acts 1, in the days following the Ascension of Jesus, to the assembled disciples, who numbered about one hundred and twenty, that they nominated two men to replace Judas: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:23-26)

Life and Feast Day of St. Matthias

All further information concerning the life and death of Matthias is vague and contradictory. According to Nicephorus, he first preached the Gospel in Judea, then in Ethiopia and was crucified. The Synopsis of Dorotheus contains this tradition: Matthias preached the Gospel to barbarians and cannibals in the interior of Ethiopia, at the harbour of the sea of Hyssus, at the mouth of the river Phasis. He died at Sebastopolis, and was buried there, near the Temple of the Sun.

Still another tradition maintains that Matthias was stoned at Jerusalem by the Jews, and then beheaded. It is said that St. Helena brought the relics of St. Matthias to Rome, and that a portion of them was at Trier. Bollandus doubts if the relics that are in Rome are not rather those of the St. Matthias who was Bishop of Jerusalem about the year 120, and whose history would seem to have been confounded with that of the Apostle. The Latin Church celebrates the feast of St. Matthias on 24 February and the Greek Church on 9 August. Later, the Latin Church moved the feast of St. Matthias to 14 May.