Gospel Reflections for May 3 2015
The First Reading reveals people who are not sure about St. Paul. Many are afraid of him. After all, it was only a short time earlier that he was persecuting Christians!
Now Paul is claiming to be a Christian! Can he be trusted? Was his conversion authentic? All they had was his personal testimony. There was no YouTube video of the event!
Fortunately, the Church assigns a wise older man, Barnabas, to accompany Paul wherever he goes. Barnabas will mentor Paul with authentic teaching about Jesus as well as observe him closely to affirm that his conversion is real. Barnabas can keep Paul grounded as well as affirm his sincere connection to the Church community.
That connection is important. Jesus uses the beautiful image in the Gospel of branches firmly connected to a vine to affirm that if we are connected to Christ we are trustworthy.
There is great mistrust this week in Baltimore right now and in many cities between minorities and police, leading to sometimes violent protest. While most violent demonstrators are professional agitators and anarchists, there is still a level of heartfelt anxiety by ordinary folk. Police also feel a great deal of stress. How can we all go forward? The readings today offer a timely and wise response.
Both the Police and the youth of our cities need wise mentors to supervise and guide them, as Barnabas guided Paul.
Most police problems have occurred by officers acting without supervision. They need the help of a wise supervisor who arrives early at a contentious situation to help guide it to a peaceful resolution. Most of the rioters are young men without a father at home or wise older person in their life to mentor them. Everyone needs a Barnabas!
Supervision is powerful. Even the popular demand for more police video cameras is an appeal to an objective view of events; just what a wise supervisor can provide as well.
Both police supervisors and fathers or wise family members provide a connection with just the right tried and true wisdom needed to solve a crisis, just like Jesus asks us to be connected to Him, the source of true wisdom, as a branch is firmly connected to a vine.
This might be a good time to thank those who have been a “Barnabas” in your own life. Perhaps you can remember when they kept you from going astray at a moment of crisis. Even more, I pray as well that you are, or might one day be, a “Barnabas” to someone else. There is no more honorable and trusted title!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Father Dave, thank you for your words of wisdom. Yes, I remember a Barnabas in my life. When I was just out of college at my first permanent job, I was a Presbyterian married to a Catholic girl. I felt an obligation to accompany her to Mass on Sunday, but I was totally bored with it (I had no real understanding of what it was all about.)
I worked in an industrial chemical laboratory. My supervisor was a friendly older man. I shared my problem with him, and he advised me: “I have the same problem. But I enjoy going to Mass because of the music.”
I guess that shifted my outlook and set me on the road to conversion. God bless him!
By the way, I and a number of my friends are wondering if we shall see Father Abebe this summer. Is there anything that you can share with us about that?
I am so glad that you had a Barnabas in your life. A Barnabas person in our life certainly makes a difference. I received an email from Fr. Abebe recently but he indicated that he had not received a response yet from Fr. Michael about returning to St. Paschal’s. I hope he does soon!
Father, reading your homilies is just like hearing them from the altar. You write just like you speak. I like that.
Thank you! Stay tuned for more articles in the future.
Fr. Dave,
Another zinger! Your analysis and commentary are both astute and striking; and sorely missing in todays public square.
May the Lord continue to fill you with the Holy Spirit and bless your ministry.
Deus Lo Vult
PS: Did you get my promised invite?
Thank you! I very much appreciate your comments.
Thank you, Fr. Dave roe your informative commentary. I like your words of wisdom and soul
searching thoughts.
In the days following his conversion Paul became so argumentative with his followers that
the apostles saw that he needed help. With the help of a trusted guide and the Holy Spirit
to help him he learned the art of being both passionate and compassionate in his preaching.
We too, need to be pruned, and listen to Jesus’ words.
“I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in Him will bear much fruit
because without Me you can do nothing”
Well said!
Love it! Thank you. I was so fortunate to have had two amazingly wise parents to guide me. They practiced their faith by action – totally. They hardly ever said, “I love you” in words, but my sister, Kay, and I just knew without a doubt that we were loved unconditionally, so in return, we never wanted to hurt or disappoint them.
That is a beautiful tribute to your parents. Tanks for sharing it.
Thanks again for your gift of “teaching”! This will sound crazy but I believe that my closeness with Our Lady and meditating before the crucifix are my “Barnabas” (s). Practicing the “presence” of Jesus and Mary throughout the day helps to keep me “on target” and certainly feel “nudged” when I don’t do or say the right thing! I thank the Lord each and every day for my Catholic faith! PTL! Patty
Certainly having Jesus as a “Barnabas” is the best of all!
Wow your reflection gave a lot to think about.
This has also been great to prepare for Sunday Mass, I have enjoyed it thoroughly..
. I am reminded that in reading about Paul who was a leader of some sorts , that it is easy even in these days to not trust our leaders. Paul was brave to stand up and preach even though it could have gotten him killed. It is a good lesson for all of us to stand up for what Gods word says. I am amazed by how quiet the body of Christ has been when we are constantly getting slapped. What is it going to take for all Christians to speak out? It is good that the next scripture in 1Jn that as we do speak out there needs to be love in that actions. These are a great combination.
Now the Gospel is a little harder. Ouch, that prunning can really hurt. I know. There has to be a constant looking to see what in our life is getting in the way of serving and being a good witness to our Lord. I look at myself at times and get down but thank God that He is there to pick me up and brush me off and encourage me that we need to keep on and neve3r give up..
Thanks again for this opportunity. I still am studying the Torah but this meditating on these scriptures for Sunday has also been a real blessing ….
Good reflections on both reading. I am glad you are studying the Torah too.
Dear Fr. Dave
Thank you again for relating the Gospel to everyday life. The situation in Baltimore reminds me of the situation we experienced in Southern California in 1992. I have vivid memories of driving home from work through the San Fernando Valley and listening to KNX when the riots took place in Los Angeles after the Rodney King police beating. This was also a case of police brutality .The young men involved in the riots and looting also lacked a strong father figure. This was a very scary time for all of us living near Los Angeles.
We need to pray for better race relations!! It is sad in 2015 that we still have this issue!! It is important for us to be the mentors to these young people.
It is fascinating how the stories and people in the Bible are still pertinent today!
Yes, the Bible is always timely!
Thanks again, Father Dave. I’m happy to say I’ve been blessed with several Barnabas (women and men) in my life, to offer guidance and direction. I also think an important takeaway from this Gospel, is to never give up on someone, especially a non-believer.
Looking forward to the Holy Land trip.
YEs, the trip is almost here!
Beautiful thoughts Father Dave!!! Our Jesus has touched you with precious insights!!! I have been blessed to have our God, our Jesus, our Mary, loving parents, wonderful priests like yourself, Marymount nuns ,dear friends, and a loving faith filled husband to be my Barnabas’ in my life!!! I am trying to be a Barnabas for others!! I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeour precious Faith of love and joy!!!
Love, Franca
Being a Barnabas for others is a great role in life, and very rewarding.