Sermon – Chosen for the Friendship of Christ, Feast of Saint Matthew – May 14, 2026

Saint Matthias is depicted in iconography with a book and an axe. The book represents his witness to the Gospel as an Apostle, while the axe traditionally symbolizes his martyrdom.

Today the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Matthew. He was chosen to complete the number of the Twelve Apostles after Judas' betrayal and death. In the Gospel of John, the friendship Jesus offered to his apostles is also mentioned. It is wonderful to see how these two texts complement each other.

After Jesus' ascension to heaven, the apostles felt a void among them. So they prayed, saying, “Lord, you know the hearts of all; show us the one you have chosen.”

Matthias did not put himself forward, he did not seek position. From the beginning, he was one who walked quietly and faithfully beside Jesus. Perhaps he was not the most famous person, perhaps his name was not widely known. But God knew his heart.

This teaches us an important truth: Jesus does not choose like people in the world. The world looks at appearance, power, and success. But Jesus looks at the faithful and humble heart. In today's Gospel, Jesus speaks an even deeper word:

"I no longer call you my servants... I call you my friends."

What a blessing! The Son of God calls us “my friends.”

A servant only takes orders. A friend, however, knows the heart of the other, walks alongside them, and shares their love. Jesus does not want a cold and distant relationship with us. He does not want us to be people who only follow the rules. He wants friends who live in love. That is why he says: "Remain in my love."

What does it mean to be a friend of Jesus? It means living close to Him, praying, listening to His Word, and allowing our lives to be transformed by His love. It means speaking with Jesus throughout the day. Saint Matthew is a beautiful example of this. His name isn't mentioned much in the Bible, but he remained faithful. He waited, prayed, and hoped along with the disciples. And when the time came, Jesus chose him.

It's the same in our lives. Sometimes we might think:

• "I'm not an important person."

• "I'm not good enough."

• "I am not a holy person."

But Jesus still chooses and loves. He still calls ordinary people. Jesus calls everyone; he called us too. Every call Jesus makes is a call to experience God's true love for us.

And today He says to us, “I have chosen you.” We didn’t choose Jesus first. He loved us first. He called us by our names at baptism. And today He calls us not just to be His servants, but to be His friends.

So what is the sign of this friendship? Jesus himself answers:

"Love one another as I have loved you."

A person who is a friend of Jesus;

• learn to forgive

• serves,

• accepts others,

• He carries the burden of others,

• He loves everyone as he loves himself.

• And they remain loyal in the face of adversity.

Today, let us pray in the intercession of Saint Matthew: let us seek not the praise of men, but to remain in the love of Christ. And one day, let us hear from the Lord not, "You have become my servant," but, "You are my friend." Today, let us ask for this grace in the intercession of the Virgin Mary.