Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 – inspired by the NRSV
Seventh Sunday after Easter, Year B
Readers: Storyteller, Peter, Group spokesperson
Props: a set of dice or two lengths of broom straw
Storyteller:
Peter had gathered with believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons). He stood up and spoke:
Peter:
Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus — for Judas was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.
So one of the group who have accompanied us during all the time that Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when Jesus was taken up from us–one of these must become a witness with us to Jesus’s resurrection.
Group spokesperson:
We propose two people who have accompanied you already. There is Joseph. We usually call him Barsabbas but he is also known as Justus. And secondly, we propose Matthias.
This is an important decision, as to which will join you, Joseph or Matthias, so we would like to pray together now.
Eternal One, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.
To be absolutely unbiased and fair, we will cast lots for them.
Roll dice on the floor/ground or have Matthias and Joseph draw straws. Make sure Matthias draws the long straw.
The lot has fallen on Matthias.
Peter: Matthias, we welcome you as the new addition, completing us again as a group of twelve apostles. Together we will witness to Jesus’s resurrection.
