Scripture readings may be found at Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle | USCCB
Today we celebrate the feast Saint Barnabas, apostle. He was one of the first followers after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. He preached the gospel at Antioch and was a companion of Saint Paul.
As we hear from in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, many people came to know Jesus through his preaching. It was in Antioch that the early followers were called Christians.
It was during this time the Christians were being persecuted following the death of Saint Stephen, deacon and the first martyr. So, as a result, it took a great deal of courage for Saint Paul and Barnabas to continue preaching, even though they knew they could face certain death for preaching Jesus Christ. What helped Saint Barnabas, St. Paul and the others was that that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gave them strength and courage to continue to preach about Jesus Christ, and the fact that he is Savior and Messiah. In their own ways Barnabas and St. Paul were devoted to the Sacred Heart. It is through them that we have our faith today. We are called in some way to do as Saint Barnabas and Saint Paul did in sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with those in our lives. We may meet with resistance, but we are called to be vigilant in letting others know about Jesus Christ, and our faith in him. Through our baptism and confirmation, we are, too, are filled with Holy Spirit.
In anticipation to celebration Sacred Heart of Jesus tomorrow, let’s pray the words that Padre Pio gave us in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted,
have pity on us miserable sinners
and grant us the grace which we ask of you,
through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary,
your tender Mother and ours.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteWe also admire St. Barnabas for his faith and courage in trusting the LORD's intervention in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who became his missionary companion & the apostle St. Paul. It was Saul of Tarsus who was a key player in the execution of St. Stephen & the one on a mission to persecute Christians because he believed Christians were destroying the Jewish faith.
Many of the early Christians did not dare risk trusting the authenticity of Paul's conversion & were afraid & very wary of him, but it was St. Barnabas who brought him around & convinced the other Christians that the LORD had truly changed his heart.
Barnabas' name actually means "On of Encouragement". He was a great Encouragement & an inspiration for us all. Encouragement is something sorely needed in this world as we strive to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit & shine the light of CHRIST in a world beset with darkness, discouragement, hatred & division.
In defense of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - but not condoning his actions -
DeleteSaul thought he was preserving the covenant that God made with Israel. And that early Christians were spreading lies that violated ancient Jewish law.
He could not accept the idea that God would send a "crucified Messiah" to the people (anyone hung on a tree or crucified was considered "cursed by God".) Saul saw Christians as a danger to the Jewish faith.
Also, in Jewish law "there is only One, True God". Saul didn't understand the Trinity - that there is "One God, but Three Divine Persons". Claiming to be the Son of God was considered blasphemy.
Although if we lived in those times, I don't think we would have persecuted Christians, but would we have believed that Jesus was the Son of God if we didnt come to know him personally? It is relationship that caused Saul's own conversion.
Filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke the Word of God boldly with courage. Early believers responded to the ministry of God with prayer and the Word, in unity and trust. SENT - the Church in Antioch was praying & worshiping when the Holy Spirit spoke. Barnabas & Saul (Paul) shared Jesus message: to go out to all parts of the World. Believers prayed, and listened for God's direction.
ReplyDeleteGod first prepares us - we must listen. To be bold in sharing the message with others, pray for courage. Barnabas encouraged believers, reminded them to be faithful. They encouraged new believers, and reminded them that following Jesus would not always be easy - but would be worth it!
[Reflections from the "Forty Forty Challenge," on the Book of Acts.]