💖 HOMILY - JUNE 11 💖

First Reading - Acts 11:21-26,13:1-3

Gospel - Matthew 5:17-19

The readings today invite us to reflect on two essential aspects of Christian life: faithfulness to God’s mission and faithfulness to God’s word. These are not separate paths but two dimensions of the same call we receive as disciples of Jesus.

In the first reading, we hear about the early Church at Antioch, where the hand of the Lord was with the believers, and many came to faith. Barnabas, described as a good man full of the Holy Spirit and faith, plays a key role in encouraging the new believers. He seeks out Paul, and together they teach in Antioch for a whole year. It is in this community that the followers of Jesus are first called “Christians.” This reading shows us a Church that is vibrant, growing, and faithful to the mission of proclaiming the Good News.

Later, we hear that the Church in Antioch, prompted by the Holy Spirit, sets apart Barnabas and Paul for mission. This shows how the community listens to the Spirit and sends out missionaries to continue the work of Christ. Faithfulness to mission is seen in openness to the Spirit, in forming others in faith, and in readiness to go wherever the Lord leads.

The gospel reminds us of another important aspect: faithfulness to the law and commandments of God. Jesus tells his disciples that he did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfil them. This means that Jesus brings the law to its true purpose—not just external observance, but a life rooted in love, mercy, and truth. He warns that anyone who breaks even the least of the commandments or teaches others to do so will be least in the kingdom of heaven. But those who keep them and teach them will be called great.

Taken together, these readings remind us that to be called a Christian is to live in fidelity—to the mission of the Church and to the word of God. We cannot separate the two. Living the word authentically gives credibility to our mission, and carrying out the mission helps others to encounter the truth of God’s word.

Dear friends, like the early Christians in Antioch, we too are called by name and sent to be witnesses. Let us, like Barnabas, be people filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, encouraging others and faithful to the Lord’s call. And let us also take seriously the word of God, not merely listening to it but putting it into practice.

May the Holy Spirit guide us as we strive to live as true Christians—faithful in both word and mission.