We are told of the Apostle Barnabas that he was given the name Barnabas when he have everything to the community in Jerusalem and followed Christ. Barnabas comes from the Aramaic meaning "Son of the Prophet", but could have also meant, "Son of Consolation or Encouragement."
In today's first reading St. Paul tells us that Barnabas went to Antioch and when arriving, he "say the grace of God" in the people and encouraged them to be steadfast in their faith to the Lord. He encouraged them as he encourages us. It is because of his love and teaching this community that he was set apart by the Holy Spirit for special purpose.
In today's Gospel we are encouraged to speak with a clear tongue and let our words be decisive, a yes to mean yes, and a no to mean no. Barnabas stayed focused on what he mission and purpose was. We are encouraged in today's Gospel to stay focused as well and not get clouded with sophistry and pressures, but to remain simple and be direct in our wants, needs, advice and teachings of the Way.
Showing posts with label apostle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apostle. Show all posts
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Mark 4: 35-45 Quiet! Be Still!
"Quiet! Be still" Jesus orders. Nature follows it master's command. The Apostles too are comforted and quieted.
A priest once told me that this is one of the most difficult things to do in life is to be quiet and still. With my experience, I believe it. When I started running I chose not to use a device for music. That meant that I had a lot of quiet time on the trails. It was really difficult to be alone with my thoughts and no computer, TV or radio for distraction. It helped to bring greater awareness to the need for that quiet in my prayer life. It is in that stillness that I can turn inward to that voice within, God's voice, that small whisper in my heart, reminiscent of Jesus' small quiet voice in that great storm. I am assured that he is near not only in the good times, but also the turbulent times too.
It is still difficult for me to sit quietly and just listen. Our pastor gives us communal prayer for Adoration, but them allows us a quiet period for personal prayer. I watch people with their prayer books and other religious material. I tried that, but then realized that I wasn't quieting myself inside, just externally. I took my inspiration in this thought from my trail runs. Then I stumbled upon a quote from Mother Teresa, "God speaks in the silence of our hearts, Listening is the beginning of prayer." I began to focus on one thing only, perhaps a scene from Jesus' life and I would think of what he said to his disciples. I would put myself into the scene. That is how I found that quiet place within my heart. Soon I realized that I was able to think clearly about different things in my life, my priorities were slowly changing. I even gave up a computer game that I'd played for over a year and replaced it with visiting those in my community who were home bound. God speaks to people in different ways. The real question is, are we listening?
A priest once told me that this is one of the most difficult things to do in life is to be quiet and still. With my experience, I believe it. When I started running I chose not to use a device for music. That meant that I had a lot of quiet time on the trails. It was really difficult to be alone with my thoughts and no computer, TV or radio for distraction. It helped to bring greater awareness to the need for that quiet in my prayer life. It is in that stillness that I can turn inward to that voice within, God's voice, that small whisper in my heart, reminiscent of Jesus' small quiet voice in that great storm. I am assured that he is near not only in the good times, but also the turbulent times too.
It is still difficult for me to sit quietly and just listen. Our pastor gives us communal prayer for Adoration, but them allows us a quiet period for personal prayer. I watch people with their prayer books and other religious material. I tried that, but then realized that I wasn't quieting myself inside, just externally. I took my inspiration in this thought from my trail runs. Then I stumbled upon a quote from Mother Teresa, "God speaks in the silence of our hearts, Listening is the beginning of prayer." I began to focus on one thing only, perhaps a scene from Jesus' life and I would think of what he said to his disciples. I would put myself into the scene. That is how I found that quiet place within my heart. Soon I realized that I was able to think clearly about different things in my life, my priorities were slowly changing. I even gave up a computer game that I'd played for over a year and replaced it with visiting those in my community who were home bound. God speaks to people in different ways. The real question is, are we listening?
Monday, November 30, 2015
Matthew 4:18-22
Feast of St Andrew, the Apostle
In this Gospel reading we hear the calling forth of Andrew and his brother Simon, called Peter, by Jesus. They were fishermen along the Sea of Galilee. Jesus promises that they will be "fishers of men." After they are called, Jesus calls James and John.
We are each called to follow Jesus too in the ways that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his flock. By living in his Way, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are to be known as Christians by our love.
We are called not once, but repeatedly to follow in the ways of Christ. Each time we say 'yes' that is a conversion where not only are our thoughts refocused on the Lord, but also our actions and words. Every time we go through a conversion experience, we come that much closer to the Lord. As we continue through Advent, let us take listen closer to the Lord's call, so that our hearts my be turned much more towards that Enduring Light.
In this Gospel reading we hear the calling forth of Andrew and his brother Simon, called Peter, by Jesus. They were fishermen along the Sea of Galilee. Jesus promises that they will be "fishers of men." After they are called, Jesus calls James and John.
We are each called to follow Jesus too in the ways that lead to the Heavenly Kingdom. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and we are his flock. By living in his Way, through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are to be known as Christians by our love.
We are called not once, but repeatedly to follow in the ways of Christ. Each time we say 'yes' that is a conversion where not only are our thoughts refocused on the Lord, but also our actions and words. Every time we go through a conversion experience, we come that much closer to the Lord. As we continue through Advent, let us take listen closer to the Lord's call, so that our hearts my be turned much more towards that Enduring Light.
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