"now we remain"
"Remain in My love." —John 15:9, JB
St. Matthias was known for remaining in God's love, during the portion of his life when he was included in the number of the twelve apostles, and during the portion of his life when he was not (Acts 1:21-22). Most likely Matthias would have remained in God's love even if he was not chosen one of the Twelve. Remaining in the love of Jesus is a lifestyle, and Matthias embraced that lifestyle. Those like Matthias who remain in Jesus' love have the following behaviors as a key component of their lifestyle:
- obeying Jesus' commandments (Jn 15:10; 1 Jn 3:24),
- communal prayer (Acts 1:14),
- seeking God's will (Acts 1:24),
- waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5, 8),
- loving one another even to the point of laying down our lives (Jn 15:12-13) for our brothers and sisters in faith, and
- bearing abundant, enduring fruit (Jn 15:5, 16) for Jesus.
Matthias remained with the disciples in the upper room, praying for the Holy Spirit. His prayers were answered beyond all imagining (Eph 3:20) when the Holy Spirit descended upon him at Pentecost. Then the Holy Spirit remained with Matthias because Matthias remained with Jesus. "This is how we know that He remains in us: from the Spirit that He gave us" (1 Jn 3:24).
"Receive the Holy Spirit" (Jn 20:22) and remain in Jesus' love. Those who remain with Jesus until the end will be saved (Lk 21:19).
Prayer: Jesus, help me to "remain here" with you and pray (Mt 26:38). Keep me faithful to You. Never let me be parted from You.
Promise: "As the Father has loved Me, so I have loved you." —Jn 15:9
Praise: When whipped for teaching about Jesus, St. Matthias kept "teaching and proclaiming the good news" (Acts 5:40, 42).
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 31, 2011
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