Saint Matthias the Apostle

15In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 16“Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. 17For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry.

…

20For it is written in the book of Psalms,

‘Let his habitation be made desolate.

Let no one dwell in it;’

and,

‘Let another take his office.’

21“Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23They put forward two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24They prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 25to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” 26They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

1Praise the LORD!

Praise, you servants of the LORD,

praise the LORD’s name.

2Blessed be the LORD’s name,

from this time forward and forever more.

3From the rising of the sun to its going down,

the LORD’s name is to be praised.

4The LORD is high above all nations,

his glory above the heavens.

5Who is like the LORD, our God,

who has his seat on high,

6who stoops down to see in heaven and on the earth?

7He raises up the poor out of the dust,

and lifts up the needy from the ash heap,

8that he may set him with princes,

even with the princes of his people.

9Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12“This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends if you do whatever I command you. 15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. 16You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17“I command these things to you, that you may love one another.