Matthias was the disciple chosen by lot to take the place of Judas Iscariot as one of the Twelve Apostles, whose main commission was to pass on the message that Jesus had given to them. The Gospel makes it clear that this mission is not something Matthias and the other Eleven had taken on of their own initiative. No, they had been chosen by God and Jesus for this work. And the core of the message they had to bring was the 'new' commandment that everyone should love others as Jesus loved them, even to giving their lives, if necessary. That love is not just being friendly and affectionate but, much more, involves answering the deepest needs of everyone in our society. It means creating a truly united, just and sharing society which is totally inclusive. I, too, for reasons I cannot understand, have been chosen to be a follower, disciple and apostle for Jesus. How does this appear in the way I live my life? Am I making a difference?