Memorial of St. Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Today's Mass Readings

Those sheep who do not belong to Christ do not recognize the Shepherd’s voice.

There was no shortage of persons who were intrigued by Jesus. They knew him as the son of Joseph and Mary. They were curious when he performed extraordinary acts. But, ironically, on the Feast of the Dedication (Hanukkah, or Festival of Lights), they were unenlightened and continued asking him if he was the Messiah. They did not really know Jesus.

Outside of Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection, however, other people were beginning to hear the Good News of the Gospel. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to shepherd the people there. Along the way, he picked up a new sheep, Saul. This shepherd guided the flock there and filled them with the Holy Spirit and with faith. So much so, that these sheep became known as Christians—in other words, like Christ. In time, Saul, who eventually was known as Paul, became a pretty good shepherd in his own right.

The Rule of St. Benedict instructs the monk, “Every time you begin a good work, you must pray to Him most earnestly to bring it to perfection (RB Prologue 4).” Before leaving for Antioch, Barnabas’ prayer might have been, “Thy Will be done.”

Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB