Those who had been scattered by the persecution
that arose because of Stephen
went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to no one but Jews.
There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however,
who came to Antioch and began to speak to the Greeks as well,
proclaiming the Lord Jesus. 
The hand of the Lord was with them
and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 
The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem,
and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God,
he rejoiced and encouraged them all
to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart,
for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.
And a large number of people was added to the Lord. 
Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. 
For a whole year they met with the Church
and taught a large number of people,
and it was in Antioch that the disciples
were first called Christians.

Acts 11: 19-26

Here are the complete readings for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

(Pauline shrine in Veria, Greece-“Saint Paul Preaching”)

In the Acts of the Apostles, new names of note start appearing. Saul, or is it Paul? Who is this man, Barnabas? What is going on in Antioch? This community develops a more sophisticated name, “Christians”, instead of the”Way.” Change in any organization, including faith communities, can move at an agonizingly slow, glacial pace and then suddenly flood with new components, people, and ideas. It can be exhilarating but also disorienting. Communities, and the people who identify with them, can take comfort when they have embedded some time of regular contemplation to compliment the acts of apostles in any age. If we look at this reading and the Gospels, we should not take for granted that these leaders, like Jesus, prioritized moments of quiet, meditation, and prayer, as essential for helping them be open to the Spirit, and therefore to the potentially radical direction that Spirit was calling them. It was difficult to carve out that time back then as it is now. If we are looking for days or moments to devote to contemplation, perhaps we should start with the most ordinary or mundane parts of our busy days. If we can find a home for the Spirit in these times, however fleeting, perhaps that gives us more room in our minds and hearts for what we may encounter tomorrow.

For your part,
God asks you in return
to make the word of God your home.
To do this
you must be willing to spend time each day
in solitude and prayer,
opening yourself to God’s living word. – The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God,  When I am frustrated with the busy pace of life and long to relax, help me find space in my day to pause and give thanks. You are always there, wherever there is. Thank you for the small but very real graces in our days to remind us of our ever changing but ever growing relationship with You. Amen