The Biggest Loser

Acts 1:15-17, 20-26
Psalm 113:1-8
John 15:9-17

…the lot fell upon Matthias… - Acts 1:26

Barsabbas must have felt like the biggest loser. I mean, it was his chance to become one of “The Twelve/” And they had to pick Matthias. Now he would go down in history as having been “The Unchosen One.”

Look, I sincerely doubt if Barsabbas thought that way. He wouldn’t have been in the running to fill the 12th Apostle’s shoes if he had an attitude problem. He would have understood that Matthias possessed the talents and gifts to become No. 12 while he had other talents and skills.

But have you ever felt that way? That others are picked out for more prominent positions than you are? That their work is recognized while yours is not? That they become famous and get all the fame?

There was this girl that worked with us in Shepherd’s Voice. She thought it was unfair that Bo (yes, Bo Sanchez) would be lavished upon with so much attention and so many gifts while we, the rest of the full-time staff, were never even seen. (Huh?!) Needless to say, she left the company many years later still bitter and always comparing the lot she had with what others had.

Abraham Lincoln once said, and I paraphrase: “A lot of things can be accomplished if nobody cared who got the credit.” Are you this kind of person? Or are you like my ex-co-worker? Victoria L.

Reflection: What are your skills and abilities? How can they best be used for God’s glory and not your own.

Tame any envy in my heart and help me recognize the talents You are already using in me.

St. Boniface, bishop, pray for us.