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Karaniwang Panahon
Lectionary: 580/362
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power. Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
R. Alleluia, alleluia. I give you a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States, second typical edition, Copyright © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine; Psalm refrain © 1968, 1981, 1997, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved. Neither this work nor any part of it may be reproduced, distributed, performed or displayed in any medium, including electronic or digital, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Via USCCB
Today creates a fascinating contrast between the personality of St. Barnabas and the warnings of Jesus in the Gospel. Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement," arrives in Antioch and immediately "rejoiced and encouraged them all." He is a man who builds bridges, even going out of his way to hunt down Saul (Paul) to bring him into the ministry. Jesus, conversely, warns us against the barriers that destroy community: anger, name-calling, and holding grudges. The core message is clear: we cannot be effective evangelists or offer true worship if our hearts are cluttered with contempt for others. You are called to be a bridge-builder, not a gatekeeper.
Let’s look at this through a Character Study of Barnabas. Notice what he does in Acts 11: he goes to Tarsus to find Saul. Barnabas was already a leader, but he realized the mission was bigger than his own ego. He saw potential in Saul-a man many were afraid of-and brought him in to teach. In our modern workplaces or parish ministries, it is so tempting to protect our "turf" or feel threatened by someone else's talent. Barnabas challenges you to ask: Do I have the security in Christ to invite others to shine, even if they might eventually outshine me?
The "Barnabas" Text: Scroll through your phone contacts and find one person who is serving God or their family faithfully but rarely gets credit. Send them a specific text today telling them exactly what you admire about them.
The Altar Check: Before you go to Mass or start your evening prayer, pause for 60 seconds. Is there a specific face that comes to mind that makes you tense or angry? Pray for that specific person’s happiness before you offer your own prayers to God.
Who has been a "Barnabas" in your life, seeing potential in you when you didn't see it yourself?
Jesus mentions the danger of calling someone "Raqa" (empty-headed) or "fool." In what areas of your life (perhaps online or in traffic) does contempt for others slip out most easily?
Is there a "gift" you are trying to offer God (service, prayer, fasting) that is being hindered by an unresolved conflict you’ve been avoiding?
If you were to "go to Tarsus to look for Saul," who is the person in your community that everyone else overlooks or avoids, but whom God might be calling you to welcome?
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