Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and we are right in the heart of the Fourth Week of Easter. It’s a season characterized by the "Good Shepherd" imagery, a time when we reflect on what it means to be known, loved, and guided by Jesus. The liturgy today offers us a beautiful tapestry of stories, from the early days of the Church in Antioch to the deep, theological promises of Jesus in the Temple.
At its core, today’s message is about identity. In a world that constantly tries to label us based on what we do, how much we earn, or where we come from, the Gospel gives us a different kind of label: we are "Christians." We are the ones who belong to the Christ.
Our Identity in Christ: Lessons from Antioch
The first reading today (Acts 11:19-26) takes us back to a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church. Following the persecution that arose after the martyrdom of Stephen, the disciples were scattered. To the human eye, this looked like a disaster, a fledgling movement being crushed before it could even begin. But in the economy of God’s grace, this scattering became a sowing.
The Word began to spread to places like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and especially Antioch. It was in Antioch that something revolutionary happened: the Gospel began to be preached not only to Jews but also to Greeks. The circle was widening. The community was growing so distinct and so vibrant that the people around them needed a new word to describe them.
"It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians."
Take a moment to let that sink in. The word "Christian" wasn't a name the disciples gave themselves as a marketing strategy. It was a name given to them by observers who saw that their lives were so intertwined with the person of Jesus Christ that there was no other way to describe them. They were "Christ-people."
For us today, this is a powerful reminder. Our primary identity isn't our job title, our political affiliation, or our social status. Those things are secondary. Our deepest reality is that we belong to Him. When we are "called by name" in baptism, we are claimed by Christ. There is an immense joy in this because it means we no longer have to "invent" ourselves. We are found. We are His.
The Power of Encouragement: Meeting Barnabas
As the Church in Antioch began to flourish, the community in Jerusalem sent someone to check on them. They sent Barnabas. His name literally means "Son of Encouragement," and in today’s reading, we see exactly why.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch and saw the grace of God at work, he didn't respond with suspicion or a list of bureaucratic hurdles. The text tells us that "he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart."
Barnabas is a model for all of us in the Christian life. He was a man who looked for the "grace of God" in others. He wasn't looking for flaws; he was looking for where the Holy Spirit was moving. Because he was a "good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith," he was able to see the potential in this new, diverse community.
We all need a Barnabas in our lives, someone who sees the spark of faith in us and fans it into a flame. And perhaps more importantly, we are called to be a Barnabas for others. In our families, our workplaces, and our parishes, there are people struggling to stay "firm of heart." A simple word of encouragement, a recognition of God’s grace in their lives, can be the very thing that keeps them on the path of discipleship.
Never Snatched Away: The Shepherd’s Promise
In the Gospel (John 10:22-30), the setting shifts to the Portico of Solomon during the Feast of the Dedication. The religious leaders are pressing Jesus, asking for a plain answer: "Are you the Christ?"
Jesus’ response is profound. He points to the relationship rather than just the title. He talks about His sheep. "My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me."
Then comes one of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand."
Think about the security of that statement. We live in a world where things are constantly being taken away from us, health, financial stability, loved ones, peace of mind. But Jesus tells us that our spiritual security is absolute. Because we are held not just by Him, but by the Father who is "greater than all," no force in heaven or on earth can snatch us away.
Even when life feels chaotic, even when we feel weak or overwhelmed by our own failures, we are held securely. The Joy of being a Christian isn't the absence of trouble; it's the presence of the Shepherd who refuses to let go.
A Global Mission: Connecting with the Society of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA)
The story of the Church in Antioch is, at its heart, a story of mission. It’s the story of the Gospel crossing boundaries and taking root in new cultures. This mission didn't end in the first century; it continues today in every corner of the world.
At The Pontifical Mission Societies, and specifically through the Society of St. Peter the Apostle (SPA), we see the modern-day "Antiochs" emerging every day. The Church is growing rapidly in mission territories, throughout Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In these places, thousands of young men and women are hearing the Shepherd’s voice and answering the call to serve as priests and religious sisters.
However, many of these local churches lack the financial resources to provide the necessary education and formation for these future leaders. This is where the work of SPA becomes vital. We support the formation of local clergy and religious, ensuring that the people of God have shepherds who speak their language, understand their culture, and can lead them closer to Christ.
When you support the Society of St. Peter the Apostle, you are acting as a "Barnabas" to a seminarian in Malawi, a novice in Vietnam, or a student in Papua New Guinea. Your generosity is a form of encouragement that says, "We see the grace of God in you, and we want to help you remain faithful."
By providing for their education, you are helping to ensure that the voice of the Good Shepherd continues to be heard in every land. You are helping to name new "Christians" in places where the Gospel is just beginning to take root.
Reflection: Becoming a Son or Daughter of Encouragement
As we reflect on these readings today, I invite you to consider two questions:
- Who has been a "Barnabas" to you lately? Think of someone who noticed God’s grace in your life and encouraged you to keep going. Take a moment to thank God for them, and if possible, reach out and thank them personally.
- How can you offer a word of encouragement to someone else today? Is there someone in your circle who feels "snatched away" by the worries of life? How can you remind them that they are held securely in God's hand?
Sometimes, the greatest mission we can perform is simply helping a brother or sister realize their true identity in Christ.
Conclusion
What a gift it is to be called a Christian! To be known by name, to be encouraged by a community of faith, and to be held eternally in the hands of the Father. This is the joy we celebrate during the Easter season, and it is a joy that is meant to be shared.
Thank you for being part of our mission family. Your prayers and your support for the Society of St. Peter the Apostle are helping to share this joy with the ends of the earth. Please keep our mission seminarians and novices in your prayers today. As they study and prepare for a life of service, pray that they, like Barnabas, may be filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, ready to encourage the hearts of many.
The Pontifical Mission Societies
United in Faith, Driven by Mission.
www.fraugustinedejidada.org