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(Acts 1:15-17,20-26;\xa0\xa0 Ps.113:1-8;\xa0\xa0 Jn.15:9-17) \xa0 \u201cIt was I who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.\u201d \xa0 Since \u201cthe saying in Scripture uttered long ago by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David was destined to be fulfilled in Judas\u201d and he \u201cwent the way he was destined to go,\u201d now the word of the Lord must be accomplished: \u201cMay another take his office.\u201d\xa0 And though \u201cPeter stood up in the center of the brothers\u201d and declared the need expressed in Scripture, and though the one hundred and twenty brothers gathered together \u201cnominated two,\u201d the prayer of the disciples, as well as their actions, makes clear by whom Matthias is chosen: \u201cO Lord, you read the hearts of men.\xa0 Make known to us which of these two you choose for this apostolic ministry.\u201d\xa0 As Judas is destined for perdition, so Matthias is chosen by the Lord to take his place, for all is indeed in the hands of God. And what loving hands these are, brothers and sisters; and what loving hands all His disciples are called to employ.\xa0 The words of the Lord in today\u2019s gospel breathe the very love of God upon His apostles.\xa0 \u201cLove one another as I have loved you\u201d is His command to them.\xa0 \u201cLive on in my love.\u201d\xa0 Our \u201cfruit must endure,\u201d and it can only endure, we can only bear fruit, sharing in the love of Father and Son.\xa0 For then the Holy Spirit is upon us, who brings all to life.\xa0 And the way in which we share in divine love the Lord makes clear as well: \u201cThere is no greater love than this: to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends.\u201d\xa0 And it is this laying down of his life to which Matthias is called today; and it is the same service in His name that makes us all friends of Jesus. \u201cFrom the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised,\u201d for indeed \u201chigh above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is His glory.\u201d\xa0 His ways are certainly far above our own, and it is His ways to which we must come, obediently following His command, His command to love.\xa0 Today He reaches down and \u201craises the lowly from the dust\u2026 to seat [Matthias] with princes, with the princes of His people.\u201d\xa0 Today His choice is made of who will follow the Son.\xa0 None but He knows the ones He chooses, the way we must walk, for none is \u201clike the Lord, our God, who is enthroned on high and looks upon the heavens and the earth below\u201d; and our joy is made complete only in going forth as He leads, for, simply put, none can compare with His love. Written, read & chanted by James Kurt; produced by Carie Fortney. Music By Carie Fortney; used by permission. ******* O LORD, you choose those whom you send forth \u2013 let us live in your love. YHWH, help us to love one another as your Son has loved us that we shall live ever in His love and bear fruit in His Name.\xa0 May we take our place with Him and all His apostles in your kingdom this day. O LORD, as you chose Matthias to take the place of Judas, to sit with your princes, so let us know that we, too, are chosen by you to do your will in this world as the friends of Jesus.\xa0 We take no honor unto ourselves but all honor you bestow upon those you call to your side.\xa0 The greatest honor you would give to all \u2013 to be formed in the image of your Son. Let us be faithful to that call, O LORD; let us give you due honor, you who are enthroned on high, far above heaven and earth.\xa0 We are but dust, dear God, but you sit above all Creation, and this dust you would raise up to dwell in your eternal presence.\xa0 In all your children let your will be done.\xa0 Let us give witness to your Son\u2019s resurrection and so join Him at your side.