The book of Acts depicts how Peter led the election for the community to choose someone to fill in Judas' place. They agreed that that ''someone" must be a person who has been with them the whole time that the Lord Jesus was travelling with them - from the time when John was baptizing until the day when He was taken up from them.

The election was determined through their prayer, "Lord, you read everyone's heart." which indicated the Lord knows the fervour of love and obedience of the person. The choice fell to Matthias.

How are our leaders chosen? Maybe we choose them because they are educated, wealthy, people of status in society, physically attractive, multi-talented, knowledgeable and, seemingly spiritual and holy. Peter, however, added one crucial criterion - "can act with as a witness to Christ Jesus' resurrection".

Is prayer a priority for us when choosing leaders? Indeed, prayer is decisive. Apart from certain criteria for Church leadership, the fervour of praying and discerning, boldness in witnessing the Good News of Jesus Christ is crucial. As in Jesus' prayer, we as leaders in our own way be one, protected from evil. His Word is Truth must transform our lives. We are sent into the world by the Lord. Such unity in mission completes the joy Jesus intended for us.