Today’s saint is named in the Bible’s Acts of the
Apostles. St. Peter wanted to replace Judas Iscariot after
Jesus’ resurrection. Peter asked the community to suggest
someone. He wanted a person who had been among the
disciples from the time Jesus was baptized by John until
the Lord’s death and resurrection. The first Christians
proposed two men, both of whom were qualified to be
apostles. One was Joseph, called Barsabbas, and the
other was Matthias. “It is necessary that one of the men
who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came
and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John
until the day on which he was taken up from us, become
with us a witness to his resurrection.” So they proposed
two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as
Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed, “You, Lord, who
know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you
have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry
from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.”
Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias,
and he was counted with the eleven Apostles.
Not much is known of Matthias or Joseph Barsabbas.
The early Church writer, Eusebius, considered Joseph one
of the seventy-two disciples.
Soon the disciples spread out and went to other places.
This was necessary to avoid persecution. It is believed that
Joseph Barsabbas preached in many places. He spent his
energy to spread the Good News. Little else is known. In
fact, his death is not even recorded. But his love for the
Church and his dedication whether he was chosen or not,
are his gift to us.
When we sometimes feel unappreciated for what we
have done, we can pray to the Holy Spirit to free us from
the need to be praised.