It is 14th May 2019. We celebrate the Feast of St Matthias, Apostle. The Apostles chose him as the replacement for Judas. Discerning between Barsabas and Matthias, the elders of the Church humbled themselves in prayer and asking the Holy Spirit to help them to choose the person God wanted for the Church. The criteria to be chosen were for the one who has been the witness of the resurrection and personal encounter with Jesus. St. Matthias was one of the 72 disciples who chose and sent for the mission. Difficult and challenging situation do come in our lives. He followed the Lord right from the start from the Baptism to the Ascension. We must get the help of the Holy Spirit to make decisions we never regret. When our decisions are made in prayer and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it becomes fruitful. Without prayerful discernment and in the absence of religiously political manipulation, the choice is God’s indeed. At times we use our human tactics and politicking to choose a person to lead in our churches and institutions without the help of the Holy Spirit. We come to power and position by all means ignoring God and the intervention and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will never arrive at a decision that pleases God. We can please and place one another because of their allegiance to us, and we can never please and to do the will of God without the abundant prayers. The readings are from Acts 1:15-17, 20-26; and the Gospel from John 15:9-17. The first reading expounds us the way the Apostles chose St. Matthias to replace Judas who betrayed Jesus. When God chooses us to love and serve, who can come between God and us? The responsorial Psalm praises, “The Lord will give him a seat with the leaders of his people.” (Ps.113:8). We are assured by the Gospel that we are all to continue to love as God is not tired of loving us and calling us as children and friends. “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.” (Jn.15:16). As the apostle St. Matthias was chosen to continue the mission, now we are here around to continue loving the other person as Jesus loves us. We must never hesitate to respond the call of Jesus to spread the message of love and hope to others. May the Lord kindly bless you and have a good day.