May 14 2025 - St. Matthias - Apostolic Succession

 In the Creed each week, we profess, our belief “in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church”. Today, we might say, is one of the great feasts of Apostolicity. For St. Matthias was the first to be appointed an Apostle after the death and resurrection of Jesus showing that apostolic mission would continue through the ages until the Lord’s return. 

In the first reading, we read that following the death of the fallen Apostle Judas, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the remaining eleven apostles elected Matthias to join them and share in the apostolic mission to tend the flock, to shepherd the People of God. 

St. Matthias was the first bishop of the Church named after the ascension. 

Some protestants will argue that the Catholic Church’s hierarchy was not intended by God, but Scripture is clear that the appointment of Matthias, and therefore every bishop after him, was due to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

The naming of apostolic successors is implicit in the Lord Jesus’ mandate to the apostles at the end of Matthew’s Gospel, when he says: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations... And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." The command to preach and teach until "the end of the age" implies a continuous apostolic mission—one that is meant to persist through successors.

The apostles understood clearly from Christ’s teachings and actions that their role was an office with specific authority and responsibilities that must persist. Matthias’s appointment thus illustrates the apostles’ understanding of their ministry as an ongoing office, not limited merely to their original twelve.

That apostolic ministry continues unbroken from the apostles to every Catholic bishop throughout history.  Hence we believe that "the bishops have by divine institution taken the place of the apostles as pastors of the Church, in such a way that whoever listens to them is listening to Christ and whoever despises them despises Christ and him who sent Christ."

We commend to God, today, all of the bishops, that through their preaching and teaching, the Christian faith may be spread and deepened, and that we may persevere in being faithful coworkers with them, in witnessing to the death and resurrection of Jesus, that we may be counted among the elect of heaven for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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Trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit and inspired by the apostolic witness of St. Matthias, we lift our prayers to our Heavenly Father.

For Pope Leo and all bishops, successors to the Apostles, that they may shepherd the Church with wisdom, courage, and fidelity to Christ’s teachings

For Christian unity, that the apostolic foundation of our faith may inspire greater unity among all who profess belief in Christ.

For our parish, that we may actively participate in the Church’s mission, joyfully witnessing to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

For those who experience doubt or confusion regarding Church teachings, that through the apostolic witness and clear guidance of Church leaders, they may find clarity, truth, and peace.

For the sick and the suffering, those in nursing homes and hospice care, those undergoing surgery, and all of the poor and afflicted, for the grace to carry their crosses with faith, hope, and love.

For the faithful departed, for the departed members of our families friends and parish, for deceased bishops, priests, and those who dedicated their lives to apostolic service, that they may share in the eternal joy of heaven…

Loving Father, through the prayers of St. Matthias, hear our petitions and guide your Church in steadfast fidelity to Christ and the apostolic mission. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.