+ Our first reading today shows the beginning of the spread of the
Christian community emanating from the launching of the great
persecutions of those believing and preaching the “new way of Christ!” Gamaliel
was right about one thing: if this organization
was man-made, then now would be the time for it to disband; but, the
persecutions only made it stronger and now more far reaching. The message
of salvation was first brought to the Jews in surrounding areas, but then the
Greeks, the Gentiles, began to become interested to the point of wanting to be
converted. Barnabas was sent from Jerusalem to investigate what the Holy Spirit
was doing among these non-Jews – and it seemed that the grace of God, the grace
of belief was being poured out upon them! Barnabas met with Saul (Paul) in
Antioch and with the new community of believers there who were the first to
bear the name “Christians!”
This is Good Shepherd week!
The true sheep of the one flock of Christ hear his voice no matter who they are
or where they may be located at the time – and then they follow Jesus to entry
into his Mystical Body the Church – with the inheritance of eternal life that
comes with it! The gospel passage reminds us that belief is a gift from God –
and the one of the first signs of authentic belief is to believe that Jesus and his Father are one: they are
one God, with one mind, heart and mission: to save bodies and souls for
everlasting life!
My
sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me! Alleluia!
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