Monday, June 11, 2018
TODAY'S REFLECTION-MONDAY
St. Barnabas, apostle
Acts 11:21b-26,13:1-3/ Psalm 97:1-6/ Matthew 5:-12
VALUES OF THE WORLD VERSUS VALUES OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Beloved, Holy Mother Church celebrates today, the memorial of St. Barnabas. He was a Jew from Cyprus. At his birth, his name was Joseph. He became a convert to Christianity soon after Pentecost. He was a generous person. He sold his possession for the benefit of the church. This earned him the surname 'Barnabas', meaning, " son of consolation" or "son of encouragement". He was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts 11:24).
Our today's first reading reminds us of how the early Christians spread the good news to the world under the guidance and directives of the Holy Spirit. St. Barnabas played a key role, through his generosity and encouragement.
Friends, Jesus, in our today's Gospel reading, presents to us the beatitudes. He points out those who are indeed blessed/happy, now and at the end of our earthly life. Some of us may hold on to certain worldly values, which do not lead us anywhere. How do people look at me now? How does God look at me now? At the end of my life, what will others say about me? What will God say about me? Let us pray for the grace to continue to spread the good news. May God give us true happiness, now and forever.
BE BLESSED
Fr. Gaa (0206854323/0240308878)