Homily Fourth Tuesday of Easter (Acts 11:19-26) “Son of Exhortation”

Fourth Tuesday of Easter (Acts 11:19-26) “Son of Exhortation”

Biblical names are always fascinating.  For instance, John means “God is gracious.”  Jesus’ name translates as “God saves.”  Names also describe the personality of the person who bears them.  In the Acts of the Apostles we have a myriad of characters that come and go.  Some of them are individuals we are not too familiar with.

A very important figure in the history of the early church is introduced in the Scriptures today.  We read for the first time about the Apostle Barnabas. Barnabas’ name means “son of consolation” or “son of exhortation.” Barnabas was named well.

The apostolic leadership in Jerusalem heard that a Christian church was developing in Antioch.  The apostles were uncomfortable because they had not founded this church, nor did they know what was being taught.  Now this was a delicate situation because the Apostles did not want to discourage an infant Christian community if that community was being inspired by the Spirit, but they also did not want to have any heretical teaching going on.

The apostles knew that they needed a diplomatic person to intercede, so they sent Barnabas.  Barnabas came to Antioch, he listened to the teaching and he saw the good things that were happening.  He also saw that the Greeks needed sound teaching.

He went to Tarsus where he found Paul.  He encouraged him to help instruct the Christians in Antioch.  Paul was a new Christian.  He was probably not sure of himself, but Barnabas told him he needed to begin his ministry.  The two of them had great success.

Later, Barnabas accompanied Paul on another missionary journey.  He supported Paul.  He encouraged him.  He was his cheer leader.  Paul would not have had the success he had with his evangelization efforts without Barnabas exhorting him to greatness.

Reflection Questions:

1. We might find it hard to push people to take up new challenges.  Who do you know who needs your encouragement?  What do they need to do?

2. Do you rejoice in someone else’s success?  Or, do you compete with others trying to be more successful?  What would Barnabas do?

Dear Parishioners,

          We will be having a couple of new spiritual activities this week that will hopefully bring everyone consolation in this sad time.  On Friday we will be having one or two parishioners lead a rosary before our morning Mass.   The Mass will be for all who are suffering because of the pandemic.  Watch on the livestream and 7:40 a.m. and pray along.

          The second thing we will be doing is that we will be praying for all the mothers and grandmothers who have gone before us. We will pray for them by name at our Saturday 4 p.m. streaming Mass and our Sunday 8 a.m. livestream Mass. If you would like to have a deceased mother or grandmother remembered by name, please email our office shchurch@sacredheartmoline.org or give us a call and leave the name and we will include that person in our prayers. Please call by Friday at 3 p.m.

          May our Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints watch over you today.

          Fr. Mark