Tag Archives: Barnabas

DON’T STOP, KEEP MOVING!

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Saturday 2nd May – Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop &.Doctor

Reflection: Acts 13:44-52

DON’T STOP, KEEP MOVING!

“My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials” Sirach 2:1

As long as you commit yourself to living in obedience and doing God’s work, you are bound to encounter opposition. Such was the plight of St. Athanasius, whose memorial we celebrate today. He was the Bishop of Alexandria in Egypt. During Athanasius’ reign as Bishop, he encountered great opposition from those who propagated a heresy known as Arianism (they were opposed to the doctrine of the Trinity). He stood firm in defending and preaching the truth about Christ’s divinity and by God’s grace, paved way for First Council of Nicaea, where the heresy was debunked and the truth of the Trinity affirmed.

In today’s reading, we see the apostles Paul and Barnabas being opposed when they stood out to preach the gospel to the people of Antioch in Pisidia. Scripture records here that in the midst of opposition, they stood firm and spoke out even more boldly about the faith they professed. Such should be our disposition when we encounter opposition in any aspect of our lives. Rather than allow yourself to be weighed down, say to yourself “I must keep moving” Rely solely on the grace of God, and you will overcome at the end.

PRAYER: Ask the Lord to fill you with His divine power so that you may not give up in difficult times.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC2471: “…In situations that require witness to the faith, the Christian must profess it without equivocation, after the example of Paul before his judges.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Philippians 4: 13 GNB

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:44-52; Psalm 98:1-4; John 14:7-14

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A PEOPLE SET APART FOR THE LORD

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Wednesday 29th April – Memorial of St Catherine of Siena, Virgin & Doctor

Reflections: Act 12:24-13:5

A PEOPLE SET APART FOR THE LORD

Today’s first reading provides the account of how Barnabas and Saul were sent on their mission by the Holy Spirit. This accounts points out a few lessons for us, Christians of today:

Like the disciples of Jesus, we can often become worn out on our mission, from our daily work and the various burdens of daily living. When you reach this point, seek help, seek the company of believers. When you are weary, tired and worn out, seek the Church; where there are pastors, prophets and teachers. There, you will find a new sense of mission.

There may also be moments when we are unsure of what to do next as we accomplish our current tasks. In those moments, let us find the direction and the strength to move through a life of prayer and participating in the Eucharist. The disciples received their mission while observing a fast. Are you praying for direction? Seek God’s face in fasting and prayer and you will hear more clearly as His Spirit speaks to your heart.

Never forget dear friend, that we are a pilgrim people, a people on a mission to preach Christ to the ends of the earth. This mission is intricately the mission of the Church, just as it is your mission and my mission; a mission of the people set apart. This is what St Catherine embodies; a lowly hand maid, whose only desire was to do the will of God. Are you living out the mission of Christ?

PRAYER:  Lord, you have set me apart for yourself; please help me to bring the church to the world, that through my participation in the mission of evangelization, many hearts will be worn to your glory. Amen

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 59 – How is the universal priesthood of all the faithful different from the ordained priesthood?

Through Baptism Christ has made us into a kingdom of “priests to his God and Father” (Rev 1:6). Through the universal priesthood, every Christian is called to work in the world in God’s name and to bring blessings and grace to it.

HIDE A TREASURE: “He saved us and called us to holiness of life” 2 Timothy 1:8 CCB

Today’s Readings:  Act 12:24-13:5; Psalm 67:2- 8; John 12:44-50