The choosing of Matthias to take Judas' place among the Twelve is a sign of the Church's growth and the early community's "ownership" of the heritage of faith which Jesus had left them under the leadership of the Twelve. As we often notice, Jesus did not leave the Apostles with an answer to every possible question that would arise as they carried the Gospel to the world.

As well as the questions which he did touch upon, Jesus left us a set of promises and some important words of encouragement. He promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. He left us a promise, an assurance that our prayers would be answered. He left us with the encouragement not to be afraid, to have courage, for he had overcome the world.

After his Ascension, the Apostles could no longer turn to Jesus in his historical presence to ask him questions, to seek solutions for their problems. When Peter addressed the community to suggest the election of a person to replace Judas, he was acting with the courage and confidence which Jesus had left him and the certainty of guidance by prayer.