READING: Acts 1: 15-26

The death of Judas Iscariot created a vacancy in the number of the Apostles of Jesus Christ.  In an occasion, Apostle Peter spoke to the 120 believers who gathered in Jerusalem on the need for a replacement.  However, the person to be chosen must fulfil these conditions: (i) He must have been with the Apostles while Jesus Christ was with them till he ascended into Heaven. (ii) He also must have been a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.  Two persons, Joseph Barsabbas and Matthias, were nominated for the election.  Then the whole people prayed for God to show which of the two He had chosen to fill the vacancy.  Ballots were cast and Matthias had the highest votes.

As we commemorate the election of Matthias into the apostolic ministry, may we conduct elections in a manner that pleases God, is peaceful, transparent, free and fair in the Church, School, secular organizations and in the nation. Let us eschew tribalism, nepotism, snatching of ballot boxes and rigging of elections. Our nation and everybody will be better for it.

PRAYER: Grant us O Lord the grace to conduct free and fair elections in the Church and in the nation in Jesus Name. Amen.