Gospel in Art: Saint Matthias, Apostle

Engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder, From The Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles [Holl. 53-64], © National Gallery of Art, Washington

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 14 May 2025
John 15:9-17

At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, 'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.'

Reflection on the Woodcut Print

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and death, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Unlike the other apostles, Matthias' calling was unique. He was not invited directly by Jesus during His earthly ministry, but was selected by the remaining Eleven through prayer and the casting of lots, after Christ's Ascension. This moment marks a significant handing over of authority, as the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, continue Christ's mission on earth. In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus say, "You are my friends if you do what I command you." Matthias was welcomed into that sacred circle of friendship; a friendship rooted not in status or merit, but in fidelity to Christ and His call.

When we reflect on those whom Jesus called His friends, we see that the Twelve apostles were ordinary men, fishermen, workers, tax collectors, with no special qualifications. Yet, Jesus chose precisely them to walk closely with Him, seeing beyond their limitations... to the potential within. His friendships extended beyond the Twelve to include Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, showing that His circle was wide, diverse, and open to all who welcomed Him. In today's reading, Christ reveals that friendship is the highest form of relationship He offers: not servitude, but a deep, personal sharing in His love and intimacy with the Father. To be called a friend of Christ is to be drawn into the very heart of God, participating in His life and mission.

I share with you a beautiful engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder, depicting the martyrdom of Saint Matthias. Cranach, a renowned German Renaissance artist and close friend of Martin Luther, was known for his ability to blend religious themes with emotional immediacy. In this work, Matthias' discarded cloak is clearly visible in the foreground. It symbolises his life, already shed, thrown. Cranach's characteristic attention to detail and composition brings the sacrifice of Matthias to life, reminding us that this apostle gave everything, even his life, out of love for Christ, his friend.

The exact details of Saint Matthias' death are uncertain, as accounts of his martyrdom vary. Some accounts suggest that Matthias was beheaded with an axe in Jerusalem, while others claim he was crucified or stoned in regions such as Colchis (modern-day Georgia) or Ethiopia, where he is believed to have preached the Gospel. As for his burial, tradition holds that his relics were brought to Trier, Germany, where they remain in the Basilica of St. Matthias, the only apostolic tomb north of the Alps.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-15-9-17-2025/ (with audio)