Perseverance by a Daily “Yes” with Mary – May 14 – Homily – Fr Matthias

 

Fr Matthias gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 14, 2025, on St. Matthias’ apostleship, Judas’ betrayal, and the necessity of perseverance through God’s mercy and devotion to Mary.

Father delivers a homily on the feast of St. Matthias, reflecting on the virtue of final perseverance, exemplified by Matthias’ apostleship after Judas’ betrayal (Acts 1:26). He emphasizes that being chosen, as Judas was, is a grace but not a guarantee of perseverance (John 6:70). Judas initially followed Jesus but gradually turned away, his “yes” becoming a hidden “no,” then a defiant one, culminating in open betrayal at the Last Supper (John 13:27). Father contrasts this with the other apostles, who, despite fleeing during the Passion (Mark 14:50), returned to God’s mercy, reuniting in prayer with Mary (Acts 1:14). Perseverance, he explains, requires renewing our “yes” daily to God’s unchanging will, whether in marriage, consecrated life, or other vocations (CCC 162). It does not mean never falling but persistently returning to God’s mercy (CCC 1420). Father underscores Mary’s role, as seen in the apostles’ unity around her, in guiding us back to Christ (CCC 969). Judas, however, chose despair, going “to his own place” (Acts 1:25), a fate Jesus lamented (Matthew 26:24). Father urges devotion to the Blessed Mother to sustain perseverance, opening the doors of God’s mercy repeatedly. This call to steadfast faith, rooted in repentance and Marian devotion, aligns with the Church’s teaching on grace and reconciliation (CCC 1996).

Acts 1:14 - NAB - Apostles pray with Mary. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1?14
Acts 1:25-26 - NAB - Matthias chosen as apostle. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/1?25
John 6:70 - NAB - Jesus chooses the Twelve. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/6?70
John 13:27 - NAB - Judas’ betrayal at Supper. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/13?27
Mark 14:50 - NAB - Apostles flee from Jesus. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/14?50
Matthew 26:24 - NAB - Woe to Judas’ betrayal. - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/26?24
Catechism of the Catholic Church #162 - Faith as a commitment. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/162.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1420 - Reconciliation restores grace. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1420.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #969 - Mary’s intercessory role. - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/969.htm
Catholic Answers - Perseverance of the Saints - Understanding final perseverance. - https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-problem-with-perseverance-and-sin

00:00 – Opening Prayer
00:08 – St. Matthias’ Call
00:28 – Final Perseverance
00:49 – Judas’ Betrayal
01:09 – Renewing Commitment
02:09 – Apostles’ Return
02:56 – Mary’s Role
04:18 – Perseverance Through Mercy

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Matthias the Apostle - Feast - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051425.cfm
1st: act 1:15-17, 20-26
Resp: psa 113:1-8
Gsp: joh 15:9-17

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1072

Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/gmqk0EETi_0