During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said, 16 “My brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled which the holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was the guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was numbered among us and was allotted a share in this ministry. 18 He bought a parcel of land with the wages of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. 19 This became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem, so that the parcel of land was called in their language ‘Akeldama,’ that is, Field of Blood. 20 For it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.’ And: ‘May another take his office.’ 21 Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.” 26 Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.
Peter assumed a leadership role in the early Christian community and addressed a large group of disciples gathered together after the Ascension of Jesus. Peter addressed the assembly of disciples as “brothers” which was a characteristic of the early Christian community. Jesus had referred to those whom Peter would shepherd as brothers (Lk. 22:32). In Jewish tradition, numbers often had symbolic significance and the number twelve and multiples of twelve frequently represented completeness or fullness. The early Christian community was in its fullness and the disciples were awaiting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Jerusalem. Peter spoke about the fulfillment of the OT prophecy regarding Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (Ps. 41:9-10). The prophecy meant that it was part of the divine plan. Judas was chosen by Jesus and became a member of his inner circle. Judas betrayed Jesus and, based on tradition, suffered a gruesome death which everyone in Jerusalem heard about. Peter suggested that Judas’ death was the result of him betraying Jesus and opposing God’s plan (Ps. 69:26).
Peter used another OT prophecy to show that it was part of the divine plan that Judas should be replaced (Ps. 109:8) so one of the disciples who was a witness to the entirety of Jesus's ministry, from his baptism by John the Baptist to his Ascension, should take Judas’ place. Two disciples were chosen for consideration, and the apostles sought God’s guidance in selecting the replacement. They cast lots, a method commonly used in ancient Jewish tradition to discern God's will, and Mathias was chosen to fill the vacant apostolic office. The group of apostles chosen by divine providence was now complete and ready to begin the Church’s mission.
Almighty God, gather us as you gathered your disciples, and grant us discernment to recognize your will. Help us to adhere to the teaching of your Son and to be faithful stewards of your ministry. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen! Alleluia!!
It is customary in many Christian traditions to say or sing "Alleluia" during the Easter season. "Alleluia" is a joyful expression of praise and thanksgiving, often used to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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