Weekly Reflection by Sr. Rosemary Finnegan, O.P.
Readings from: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050223.cfm
Today we are inspired by two staunch leaders of the early church. Let’s call them ‘A’ and ‘B’.
‘A’ is for Athanasius, our saint of the day. He was born into a Christian family in Alexandria, Egypt in the year 296 A.D and given a classic education. As a young man, he entered the priesthood and was eventually made a Bishop.
At that time in early church, much division existed regarding what was being taught and believed about many sacred doctrines. One strong heresy called Arianism developed which held that, although Jesus Christ was truly a man, he was not the Son of God. Bishop Athanasius constantly and rigorously upheld the teaching of Christ’s divinity. However, the Arian Bishops opposed him and exiled him 5 different times for his defense of Christ’s true nature. It was during these exiled years that he wrote prolifically about the Christian life. For these writings he earned the title ‘Doctor of the Church’. Of Athanasius Cardinal Newman said: ‘He stands as a principal instrument after the Apostles by which the sacred truths of Christianity have been conveyed and secured to the world.’
Our other leader today, “B”, is Barnabas who is mentioned in our first reading. He must have been admired by the other apostles, because they chose him to go to the new community at Antioch to encourage those novice followers.
Barnabas was born in Cyprus. Although his given name was Joseph, the apostles gave him the Hebrew name Barnabas, which means "Son of Encouragement" because of his work in the Church.
In many ways, like Athanasius, Barnabas was a reconciler because he believed in the power of the gospel message to change people's hearts. His relationship with St. Paul is one example. After Paul’s conversion experience, it was Barnabas who literally “went to bat” for Paul, persuading the apostles and the church in Jerusalem that Paul was no longer a persecutor and could now be trusted. That was no small task given Paul’s reputation.
Barnabas was also one of the first to understand that the mission of the church was universal. When he and Paul were in Antioch, they deliberately decided to preach the gospel to Gentiles as well as Jews. This was a momentous decision that has had far-reaching consequences.
From these leaders, we can learn to study, value, and defend our Catholic faith, like Athanasius, and be reconcilers, like Barnabas, who accepted and welcomed all people in the Lord. St. Athanasius and Barnabas, pray for us.
