Monsignor Enrique Díaz Díaz shares with Exaudi readers his reflection on the Gospel of this Thursday, May 14, 2026, the feast of Saint Matthias,  entitled:  “You did not choose me, but I chose you .”

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Acts 1:15-17, 20-26:  “They cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”

Psalm 112:  “The Lord placed him among the leaders of his people. Hallelujah!”

John 15:9-17:  “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”

Celebrating the feast of Saint Matthias today, who was chosen as the apostle to replace Judas after his betrayal, gives us an opportunity to emphasize the essential characteristics of every disciple. When the ideal candidate is sought among the disciples, the following conditions are set: a) That he has known Jesus since John’s baptism. b) That he has accompanied Jesus in his public ministry. c) That he becomes a witness to the resurrection. This is the path for every disciple: to have direct contact with Jesus, an encounter that confronts our lives with the proposal he makes to us. This encounter takes place in ordinary life: listening to his Word, knowing him through his actions in the Gospels, praying, recognizing him in our brothers and sisters, and loving him in the poorest among us. It is a personal encounter with Jesus; otherwise, we cannot call ourselves disciples. But in addition to knowing him, we must remain faithful to his Word. Many knew Jesus and heard his words, but in times of difficulty, they chose to distance themselves from him. The same can happen to us: we may know Jesus, we may like his words, but in decisive moments, we may not follow his example and instead prefer our own comfort zones. Faithfulness is the second condition for being a disciple. The third condition is being willing to become a witness to the resurrection. Many of us know of Jesus’ death and feel compassion for him. But the true witness brings the message of Jesus’ resurrection to the world: a message of hope and life. Today’s Gospel passage completes the profile of the disciple: chosen to love. Everything the disciple does is grounded in the love that God the Father has for us and has revealed to us in his son Jesus. That is why the disciple is able to bring hope and joy. That is why he is able to love in the style of Jesus. The commandment that Jesus gives them is to love one another constantly and for life, as he did, demonstrating it by giving his life for them. Being a disciple involves loving Jesus and loving one another, and the disciple’s love for his brothers must be so great that he is willing to give his life.