“In
those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said…”
As the fiery spirit to whom the flock was entrusted by Christ and as
the leader in the band of the apostles, Peter always took the
initiative in speaking: “My brothers, we must choose from among our
number.” He left the decision to the whole body, at once augmenting
the honor of those elected and avoiding any suspicion of partiality.
Did
not Peter then have the right to make the choice himself? Certainly
he had the right, but he did not want to give the appearance of
showing special favor to anyone. “And they nominated two,” we
read, “Joseph, who was called Barsabbas and surnamed Justus, and
Matthias.” He himself did not nominate them; all present did. But
it was he who brought the issue forward, pointing out that it was not
his own idea but had been suggested to him by a scriptural prophecy.
And
they all prayed together, saying: “You, Lord, know the hearts of
men; make your choice known to us. You, not we.” Appropriately they
said that he knew the hearts of men, because the choice was to be
made by him, not by others.
They
spoke with such confidence, because someone had to be appointed. They
did not say “choose” but “make known to us” the chosen one;
“the one you choose,” they said, fully aware that everything was
being preordained by God.
--
Saint John Chrysostom from a
homily