First reading Acts 11:19-26
They started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Lord Jesus
Those who had escaped during the persecution that happened because of Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but they usually proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus to them as well. The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.
The church in Jerusalem heard about this and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord.
Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. As things turned out they were to live together in that church a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’
Responsorial Psalm 86(87)
O praise the Lord, all you nations!
On the holy mountain is his city
cherished by the Lord.
The Lord prefers the gates of Zion
to all Jacob’s dwellings.
Of you are told glorious things,
O city of God!
‘Babylon and Egypt I will count
among those who know me;
Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia,
these will be her children
and Zion shall be called “Mother”
for all shall be her children.’
It is he, the Lord Most High,
who gives each his place.
In his register of peoples he writes:
‘These are her children,’
and while they dance they will sing:
‘In you all find their home.’
Gospel John 10:22-30
The Father and I are one
It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied:
‘I have told you, but you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness;
but you do not believe,
because you are no sheep of mine.
The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice;
I know them and they follow me.
I give them eternal life;
they will never be lost
and no one will ever steal them from me.
The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone,
and no one can steal from the Father.
The Father and I are one.’
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Christians: known and loved by the Shepherd
In the first reading, the Church in Antioch begins to grow, and Barnabas is sent to guide them. Recognising the need for the believers to deepen their faith further, he brings Paul to help him with this task. It is here that something significant happens: “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” This name is not just a label, but it reflects a way of life. Their actions, relationships, and witness made Christ visible. People could recognise something different in them. Let us strive to be Christians, not merely by name, but by reflecting our faith in the way we live our lives. May we be Christians, not just by title, but show it through our lives.
To live as authentic Christians, we must first be rooted in a relationship of love and trust with Jesus, our Shepherd. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of this deep belonging: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” To be known and loved by Jesus is our source of confidence and peace. Today, let us listen to the voice of our Shepherd and follow Him faithfully so that others can “see” Him in us.
Reflective question:
Can others around me recognise Christ in the way I live?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
