Gospel: June 11, 2025
June 11, 2025 (Wednesday)
Feast of St. Barnabas, Apostle
Psalter: Proper / (Red)
Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
1st Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
Gospel: Matthew 5:17-19
Do not think that I have come to annul the law and the prophets. I have not come to annul them, but to fulfill them. I tell you this: as long as heaven and earth last, not the smallest letter or dot in the law will change, until all is fulfilled. So then, whoever breaks the least important of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be the least in the kingdom of heaven. On the other hand, whoever obeys them, and teaches others to do the same, will be great in the kingdom of heaven.
Reflection:
“Share a living experience of the faith.”
The qualities of Saint Barnabas are most admirable. He is described as “a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” His own name was Joseph, but he received a nickname in keeping with is supportive, positive attitude toward the community of believers, and so he was known as Barnabas, meaning “the encouraging one” (Acts 4:36). Barnabas is involved in instructing in the faith. Many people in the Church are regularly involved in the work of catechesis, especially in parishes, either in passing on the faith to children or in preparing adults for Baptism. Pope Francis teaches that it is vital that catechists “share a living experience of the faith.” In other words, knowledge of doctrine or the commandments is not enough. This must be underpinned by a life of faith and prayer, so that our experience of being disciples of Christ will encourage others to be the same. Let’s pray for all the lay people, religious and priests involved in catechesis. May their teaching come from a good heart that is filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, and may they, like Barnabas, be sons and daughters of encouragement.
