FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, YR C
Acts 13:14,43-52; Ps 100
Rev. 7:9,14-17; Jn 10:27-30
PAUL AND BARNABAS IN ANTIOCH
We continue to read about the Early church and their commitment to spreading the gospel. Today from our first reading we read about Paul and Barnabas. When they went to the synagogue to participate and also to take the opportunity to talk about Jesus.
The Holy Spirit has asked that Paul and Barnabas be set apart for a special mission. It was a mission to the gentiles. But it is interesting that they went to the synagogue to speak about Jesus. It was as if they thought it right to speak to their own people, the Jews, first. It would have been a challenging thing to do especially for Paul who was part of them and was in fact the one leading the persecution. No wonder they were furious at him.
Like Paul and Barnabas, we must share the gospel with those closest to us most importantly, those with whom we shared the same lifestyle with. We must invite them also to the goodness we have found in Jesus. It is easy to gloss over them and seek to talk to other people. It can indeed be challenging but remember that it is the Holy Spirit that touches hearts. Just do your part.
Whether they were preaching to the Jews or the Gentiles the fundamental message was the same; Jesus is the saviour. The grace of justification and salvation comes through him.
While the Gentiles were glad for the good news, the Jews were angry and incited the people of power and influence against the disciples and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas. We see a lot of persecution of the disciples in the Acts of Apostles. Persecution and opposition have always accompanied the preaching of the gospel. But Jesus has promised us his help and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
They never forgot this promise and assurance of Jesus and so, even in the face of persecution and threat to their lives, they found the boldness and courage to stand for the gospel. They never wavered or gave up. This comes out of the conviction of the truth of the gospel to which they owe their new life and are so eager to share it with all people. Are Christians today convinced about the gospel. Is the conviction this great? Many of us today have lost the zeal of the early church. We have neglected the gospel values and seem to be competing with the world, the world we are supposed to be converting and challenging with the gospel and our lives.
The whole Christian world needs a revival and renewal of commitment. The charlatans will have to be called out. We must begin once more to be truly Christian in everything we do.
May our hearts remain open for that revival. May the Holy Spirit touch your heart with his fire.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
