THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday in the Fourth Week of Easter, 2023

Acts 11:19-26

Ps 87

John 10:22-30

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

The disciples were first called Christians

The first reading (Acts 11:19-26) describes a significant moment in the life of the early church, the preaching of the gospel to pagans for the first time, in the city of Antioch. 

Up until that moment, all the disciples of Jesus were Jews. The leaders of the church in Jerusalem had to discern whether this new development in Antioch was the work of the Holy Spirit or just a human aberration. As part of their discerning, they sent one of their members, Barnabas, to check out what was happening in Antioch. He was sent because he was known to be a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. A person filled with the Holy Spirit was likely to discern whether or not this novelty was the work of the Spirit. Barnabas immediately recognized that God was at work here. He not only gave them all every encouragement, but he also set out for Tarsus to bring Paul to Antioch because he could see that this new development in Antioch was ripe for Paul’s gifts. Paul and Barnabas went on to spend twelve months together in that church. 

According to the reading, it was in Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called ‘Christians’. People began to see that this movement wasn’t just a particular branch of Judaism. The Lord is always doing something new among us, and we all need to discern the ways the Lord is leading the church, especially in these times. To do that well, we need a listening ear, an ear, and an eye that is open to the surprising ways of the Spirit. As Jesus says in the gospel reading, those ‘who belong to me listen to my voice’. People like Barnabas who are in tune with the working of the Spirit among us are an invaluable asset as we try to discern where the Lord is leading us. The Lord will always provide such people at times of transition, like the present time. Indeed, he invites each of us to become such a person.

Let us pray: Lord,  give me the courage to be a faithful Christian at all times and in all places, with whomever I meet, and in whatever I say. Help me to give testimony to who you are. Amen.

+Remain blessed