Wednesday 11 June 2025 - Steadfast devotion

Wednesday 11 June 2025

Today is Wednesday the 11th of June, the feast of Saint Barnabas, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. CalledOut Music sings, ‘Worst Days’. God of everything You reached out to me Made a home in my heart I just can't explain I just stand in awe Of Your wonderful love And even on my worst days It stays the same I just don't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Love that knows no end I'm wrapped up in the arms of my Father I'll never lose my position I will always be Your child That's all that matters ‘Cause even on my worst days It stays the same I just can't understand How high How wide How deep Is Your love Oh it reaches to the depths of my soul and it won't let go Oh wonderful love There's no where else I'll rather be, no where else for me Oh wonderful love From Calvary to eternity, I'm Yours forever Oh wonderful love (Oh Jesus) Your love knows no ending, the sweetest of tastes Oh wonderful love How high How wide How deep Is Your love Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. The early Church is growing, and the Gentiles are especially being added to its number. As the Gospel is preached there is often opposition, and sometimes, as we see here, a delightful receptivity. Where do you see an openness to the Gospel in your life or work? Barnabas is moved and delighted by what he sees. He knows that he believes in Jesus and the transformation that Jesus brings. What’s it like for him to see this becoming true for others? We are not meant to follow Jesus on our own. We need one another. Who are the people who have encouraged you in your Christian life? One meaning of the name Barnabas is Son of Encouragement, so it may even have been a nickname given to him because he often took this role. Listen again and notice the encouraging role Barnabas himself is playing… Acts 11:21-26 The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believers and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they associated with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians’. How have you encouraged others in their following of Jesus? How might you be a Son, a Daughter, a Bringer of Encouragement? Speak to the Lord about this now, as one friend speaks to another. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen