THEY HAD JOHN TO ASSIST THEM…

Acts 12:24-25;13:1-5

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, bringing with them John whose other name was Mark.

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Mana-en a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them.

John 12:44-50

44 And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And he who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If any one hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
48 He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority; the Father who sent me has himself given me commandment what to say and what to speak.50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has bidden me.”  

MEDITATION

St LUKE Makes it known that Barnabas, Saul and a newbie John also known as Mark, were send back to Antioch by the leadership after assisting the Church in Judea. Luke purposely refer to ‘Saul,’ suggesting that he was not yet formally installed as an elder by the magisterial principals in Jerusalem. 

Upon their arrival in Antioch during a spiritual retreat with the local leaders, Saul, Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius and Mana-em were identified by the Holy Spirit, to sail to Cypress and proclaim the gospel with the assistance of John-Mark. It is quite obvious that the principal office bearers situated in Jerusalem, the voice of Christ, were in constant touch with the local church leadership who were subordinate to them. 

THE GOSPEL READING: We can rightly conclude that Jesus’ discourse presuppose that those who believe in Him; especially the ones He has chosen, taught and sent, was to follow in His footsteps, given the authority to transmit, proclaim and teach the Good News to all those who live in darkness arround the world.  

The word of God was in the main orally transmitted for the best part of fifteen centuries before the development of the printing press (15AD) assisted their endeavors. We are indepted to the presbyters/evangelists and their helpers—the  laity—ordinary folks like you and me, who heeded the voice of the Magisterial office, to unselfishly assist in the work of evangelization and salvation arround the world. “Bench-warmers,” who play no role in the life of the Church are called to serve and assist the body of Christ by spreading the good news! 

LET US PRAY:Psalms 67:2-3,5-6

2 that thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; let all the peoples praise thee!
5 Let the peoples praise thee, O God; let all the peoples praise thee!
6 The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.

Commentary. Henry R SYLVESTER Note: The daily scripture readings are taken from the Roman Missal which the Catholic Church use in the daily Celebration of the Holy Eucharist throughout the world.Some weekly readings may differ because of the celebration of local feast days.