This blog follows the daily bible readings of the Catholic Church

 Reading 1, Acts 11:19-26

19 Those who had scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but they proclaimed the message only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching also to the Greeks, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus to them. 21 The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.

 22 The news of them came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem and they sent Barnabas out to Antioch. 23 There he was glad to see for himself that God had given grace, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; 24 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.

 25 Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that they stayed together in that church a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’.

The extension of Christianity to 150 CE

 The extension of the church amongst Greek people is a crucial stage in the development of Christianity. It could have remained a type of Judaism, alongside others, but rapidly became multiracial. When “orthodox” Judaism decisively rejected “Jesus Messiah”, the church had already spread to the boundaries of the known world, and amongst many different racial groups.

 The ministry of Barnabas is noted in this passage. His name means literally “son of encouragement”- “Mr. Encouraging” as we might say. The place of encouragement in the literature of the early church is distinctive: it is one of the crucial gifts that believers can offer each other. It was an important part of the ministry of Jesus (see below). It should be an evident part of all ministries, and of the life of all churches.

 Gospel, John 10:22-30

22 It was the time of the feast of Dedication in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. 24 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 openly.’

 25 Jesus replied: I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; 26 but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. 27 The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from my hand.29 The Father, for what he has given me, is greater than anyone, and no one can steal anything from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.

 The Feast of Dedication is Hanukkah, established by Judas Maccabeus for the re-dedication of the temple after its profanation by Antiochus, the Greek emperor. The feast therefore has themes of cleansing, dedication, holiness, and gratitude to God for rescue from enemies. It lasts eight days and is celebrated with lights and processions. Psalms 113-118 (The Hallel) were used during this feast. Psalm 118 has the words “This is the gate of the Lord, where the upright go in” which remind us of Jesus’ words, “I am the gate.” It also contains the phrase about the “stone which the builders rejected becoming the cornerstone” which Jesus is reported to have applied to himself. Solomon’s Portico is part of the Royal Portico on the side of the temple. In the first temple Solomon’s Porch was where he dispensed justice. He was noted for the gift of wisdom. All these associations are attached to Jesus in this story.

 The Feast of Dedication and the traditional concept of Messiah expressed nationalist, warlike ambitions. Jesus indicates that his acceptance of the role of Messiah changes it: his followers will be his sheep not just in the sense of belonging to him, but also in the sense of readiness for sacrifice. They know the voice of the one who is also the Lamb.

"no one can tear you from God's hands"

Jesus gives his sheep “the life of the age to come”, which cannot be lost in death. Their lives are in Jesus’ hand, which is also the hand of the father, who will rescue the flock, not by success in battle, but by his enlivening presence. Although Jesus and the Father can be distinguished, they are the one love.

 These verses offer great encouragement and comfort to those who put themselves at risk for Jesus’ sake. Readiness to share the poured out life of Christ will lead to life, not death.