Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
During the season of Easter, the first reading for weekday masses are taken from Acts of the Apostles. We basically read straight through that book during this liturgical season. Last week, on Monday and Tuesday (May 5th and 6th) we read about the ministry and martyrdom of St. Stephen, which stirred up what was probably the first persecution of the Church. In our selection from Acts today we learn some of the repercussions of that persecution. In short, many of the followers of Christ were scattered by this persecution. Today’s reading (Acts 11: 19-26) says that they travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch. As they went, they also spread the word of the gospel, though at this time only to Jews.
However, the reading notes that those who went to Antioch began to speak also to the Greeks as well and many of these believed and turned to the Lord. This turn of events was so noteworthy that the Church in Jerusalem heard of it and sent St. Barnabas to investigate. St. Barnabas was so impressed that he sent for St. Paul, and the two of them spent about a year teaching the Church in Antioch. The reading ends by noting that it was here in Antioch that the followers of Christ began to be called Christians.
With these events the early Church began to realize its vocation to proclaim the Gospel to all peoples. We can also see here God’s providence in turning difficult circumstances to good.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections