Jesus’ insistence that it was he who chose the disciples, and not they who chose him, continues in the Church’s life with the Lord’s choice of Matthias to replace Judas—himself once specially chosen, yet ultimately rebellious toward that call. We are not told whether Joseph, called Barsabbas, felt rejected or wounded by not being selected for this intimate circle of apostles; such a reaction would have been entirely human. We do know that earlier, shortly after the Resurrection, Peter showed a trace of resentment at what seemed like favoritism toward the Beloved Disciple—prompting the Lord’s gentle rebuke: If it is my will that he remain what is that to you? You follow me. These reactions—both in the first disciples and in ourselves—arise when we cling to defining our worth by our roles, accomplishments, or the tasks entrusted to us, rather than by the truth of who we are in the deepest core of our being. God’s love meets us there: not in what we have done, achieved, or failed to achieve, but in who we are before him. Only when we live from that deepest center, becoming the persons God created us to be, will we bear the enduring fruit Jesus desires. Supported by Saint Matthias’ intercession, let us turn anew towards that inner truth, releasing every comparison and resentment, and step forward today in the freedom of those who know they are chosen and loved.