June 11, 2013

Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle

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Today we salute St. Barnabas, one of the first Christian missionaries. Although not one of Jesus’ chosen Twelve, he is honored with the title Apostle for his contributions to the early Church. Barnabas was a Jew from Cyprus who became a gifted preacher and journeyed far to share Christ’s message of salvation. He was a relative of the Gospel writer St. Mark and a friend of St. Peter and St. Paul. Yet even among all these dedicated followers of Jesus, some personal and religious difficulties caused a rift that Barnabas eventually helped heal. According to tradition, St. Barnabas was martyred for the faith in Cyprus.        

The Gospel recounts Christ’s beautiful reminder to His followers of every age. “You are the light of the world.... Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14, 16). Our Savior wants those of us who believe in Him to do all we can to spread the Good News. We must use our words and actions as well as our prayers and material support to assist today’s Missions.

June 13, 2013

Memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, Priest and Doctor of the Church

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Today we remember the wonderful St. Anthony of Padua whom we honor as a patron of the poor and finder of lost things. Born to a wealthy Portuguese family, Anthony became a priest.  He was inspired by the martyrdom of several Franciscans and then joined their order of friars. After time spent in prayer and scripture study, Anthony’s remarkable talent as a preacher was discovered. St. Francis of Assisi encouraged his sermons and also appointed him to teach theology to his fellow friars. Celebrated for his humility and obedience, St. Anthony died while on his travels at age 36. 

The words of Jesus in the Gospel remind us of the importance of our relationship with others. “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” (Matthew 5:23-24). St. Anthony never let his love for prayer and solitude keep him from reaching out to people who needed to hear the word of God. Let us emulate his devotion to the spiritual welfare of others.

June 16, 2013

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

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The Scripture readings today emphasize love, forgiveness and faith. The love of God for His people invites us to return His love and share that love with others. The love of God brought His Son into this world to lie humbly in a manger – and to die agonizingly on a cross. The love of God invites us to find in Jesus the only source of peace on earth and hope for heaven.     

When Christ visited the house of the Pharisee, he came face to face with eternal love. But His host criticized Jesus for letting a sinner touch Him. After the repentant woman fervently expresses her love for Christ, He tells the Pharisee: “When I entered your house you did not give Me water for My feet, but she has bathed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair.… So I tell you her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love” (Luke 7:44, 47). Jesus joyfully forgave the woman because she recognized His love and returned it. Let us imitate this woman by choosing God’s will rather than our own – and by offering our faith to people around the corner and around the world.