Breaking the Word

4^th week in Easter Time, Wednesday – 24^th April 2024 – Acts 12,24-13,5; Jn 12,44-50

Inspiration for Discernment  

In the first reading, there is a transition of ministry from Peter to that of Barnabas and Saul. The community at Antioch had many gifted people who are prophets and teachers. As the early believers gathered in worship and fasts, they were aware of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their midst. It is during this time; they experience the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit in choosing and commissioning Barnabas and Saul among others. They were set apart for a mission to Asia Minor. From then on, they go on several missionary journeys to bring the Word of God throughout the Mediterranean. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit to choose some people are called, “the discernment of the Holy Spirit”.  The presence of the Holy Spirit will be manifested if the believing community gathers in prayer and be open to its direction and guidance. The Holy Spirit will continue to guide the Church today as it did in the times of the Apostles, whenever the Church prays for discernment and guidance.

4th week in Easter Time, Tuesday – 23rd April 2024 – Acts 11,19-26; Jn 10,22-30
Unfolding of God’s Plan
The first reading presents the story of the Church being founded in Antioch in Syria. It narrates how the early Christians grew beyond Jerusalem and reached out to the Gentiles. The persecution that followed Stephen’s martyrdom spread the Gospel to the Greek speaking Christians in many directions. Since many Greeks believed and converted to the Lord, the Jerusalem Church decided to send Barnabas to Antioch, to encourage new believers. Barnabas saw the grace of God at work in the Gentiles. He boldly proclaimed as he was “filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.” During his ministry in Antioch, a large number of people were added to the Lord. Therefore, he decided to seek the help of another Greek-speaking Christian, Saul of Tarsus, who was in his hometown after his conversion. Barnabas brought Saul to Antioch and both taught there for a whole year. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, God’s plan to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles was unfolding. In this plan, God included the joining hands of two Gentile preachers.