Liturgy for the Third Sunday in Lent: St. Matthias

February 24, 2008

The Church has set aside saints’ days, (such as St. Matthias today) in honor of the first martyrs, and those in the Gospel most nearly connected with our Lord in the work of establishing His Church. Although we don’t pray to the Saints, we study and emulate their virtues and thank God for their examples. The first record we have of a saints’ day comes from the 2nd century, although it probably existed far earlier. The practice grew from ancient Christians meeting at martyrs’ graves on the anniversaries of their deaths to celebrate their Godly virtues and bless God for their pure lives and heroic examples—a great chance for extra devotions in Lent—extending ourselves for the sake of the Lord in worship, devotion and action. The great truth for us–the saints on Earth are fellow-citizens with the saints in paradise, and all, whether living or dead, are members of one great Heavenly parokia, or parish—the family of God—the Communion of Saints. Like Christians on Earth, our spirits “bear witness” with the saints, because we resonate on Christ’s spiritual frequency—one Faith and one Baptism for the remission of sin. We are all rewired to our Lord’s specification. And, we can take joy in that we are empowered, just as St. Matthias was—to preach the Gospel, regardless of the cost, extending ourselves for the purpose God has for us. And, like him, we have a great company with us to God’s purpose in our lives. For the Kingdom!

Posted by Father Chip | Filed Under Liturgy Lessons