Readings: Acts 12:24-13:5 Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, John 12:44-50
“I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46)
Antioch represents an important turning point in the history of Christianity. Yesterday, we read that: “The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number that believed turned to the Lord.” (Acts 11:21). This news prompted the church at Jerusalem to send Barnabas to them, who, in turn, brought Saul from Tarsus to Antioch. Not only did the church in Antioch experience exponential growth in number, but it was also a place where believers behaved like Christ, such that it was at Antioch that people were addressed as Christians for the first time.
In today’s First Reading, we learn that under the guidance of Barnabas and Saul, Antioch was a vibrant church, a community of prophets, teachers, and prayer warriors. “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”(Acts 13:2). This is the first recorded instance of the Holy Spirit speaking directly, not just to one person, but to an entire congregation; everyone heard and understood the Holy Spirit’s message. There was no confusion – a shining example of the light that Jesus Christ spoke about in today’s Gospel passage. How do we position ourselves to hear from the Holy Spirit today? In other words, how do we take advantage of the light that Jesus brings? This brings us to our lessons today:
1. Never Neglect Prayer: The Church in Antioch was a prayerful community. If we desire to hear from the Holy Spirit, we must devote time to prayer and fasting. Without prayer, we are powerless against our enemies. Without prayer, we cannot hear from God (spiritually deaf). Without prayer, we cannot see the hand of God in our lives (spiritually blind). Without prayer, we cannot speak blessings over our lives (spiritually dumb). Prayer is the only real master key; it opens both physical and spiritual doors. It also gives us insight into spiritual realities. Jesus is God, yet during His life, He devoted many hours to prayer, teaching us that prayer is the source and summit of spiritual refreshment. Jesus asked the disciples: “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40). Do you think giving God an hour daily is too much?
2. Accompany Prayer With Fasting: The Church in Antioch prayed and also fasted. When we fast, we involve our whole body in prayer. Fasting deepens our hunger and thirst for God. Fasting helps us control the desires of the flesh. St. Paul says: “I pommel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). In other words, fasting enables us to develop self-control. Fasting also helps quiet the noise around us so we can hear God more clearly. In Luke Chapter 2, we read that Anna, the prophetess, worshipped God with fasting and prayer and never left the temple. Like Simeon, Anna immediately recognised Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus also began his ministry with forty days of prayer and fasting. If you want to hear from God, pray and fast.
3. Obey God’s Commandments, Let Your Light Shine: The church in Antioch was a beacon of light because they were true Christians; they lived as Christ did. If you want to hear from the Holy Spirit, there should be no contradiction between what you externally profess and what you do. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus says: “I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them… the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” (John 12:46-48). When we keep God’s word, we become lights to the world and, more importantly, God opens our eyes to see beyond the ordinary.
Today, we remember St. Catherine of Siena. She was born on 25 March 1347, in Siena, Italy, as the 25th child in her family. She endured the loss of many siblings during her early years. Choosing a life dedicated to God over marriage, Catherine joined the Third Order of St. Dominic at 16. She practised rigorous fasting and faithfully served her family, seeing them as symbols of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the apostles. At 21, Catherine experienced a profound mystical marriage to Christ, which inspired her to engage more actively in public life. She committed herself to helping the poor and sick, encouraging others to follow her example. Her deep charity and strong faith led her into the political arena, where she worked to ensure that city-states remained loyal to the Pope.
She also advocated for reforms within the Church and supported the Crusades. Catherine was known for visiting prisoners and reportedly witnessed the soul of a condemned man ascend to heaven. Catherine is believed to have received the stigmata, marks resembling those of Christ, visible only to her. She was guided spiritually by Blessed Raymond of Capua and began writing influential letters and works, including her important book, “Dialogue.” Her efforts were instrumental in convincing the Pope to return to Rome from Avignon.
Despite her health suffering from constant fasting, St. Catherine founded a monastery and wrote over 400 letters. She died at the young age of 33 on 29 April 1380, after a stroke. Recognised as a Doctor of the Church, her feast day is celebrated on 29 April. St. Catherine is the patron saint of numerous causes, including firefighters, the sick, the United States, Italy, those experiencing miscarriage, individuals mocked for their faith, those facing sexual temptation, and nurses.
Let us pray: O God, who set Saint Catherine of Siena on fire with divine love in her contemplation of the Lord’s Passion and her service of your Church, grant, through her intercession, that your people, participating in the mystery of Christ, may ever exult in the revelation of his glory. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 12:24-13:5 Ps. 67:2-3,5-6,8, John 12:44-50)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu