Jun 11 – Feast of St. Barnabas, apostle
St. Barnabas (martyred 61) founded the Church in Antioch. He was a Levite Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost. Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, and is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in the Church’s mission to Gentiles, and worked with him in Cyprus and Asia, but split with him over a non-theological matter. At the time of his death he was carrying a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that he had copied by hand.
- Patron Saint Index
Acts 11:21-16;13:1-3
Mt 5:13-16
…for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.
I have a personal trainer (let’s call him M) who has, in more than a few ways, become more of a friend. We have been training together for 8 years and he has seen my physique change during that time. Factoring in holidays, illness, work, time off for retreats etc, I would say on average, we have met once a fortnight.
For almost a year now, our conversations have touched on how he has been trying to find some peace while caring for his elderly mother. As the only son, the responsibility falls on him and, quite honestly, I am not sure if his earnings provide enough for him to afford many things. Yet, he is devoted to his mum and hopes to be able to take her on a cruise one day. He himself has been struggling with clients who do not renew their packages, or don’t bother to show up.
Despite all his difficulties, he has always maintained a positive outlook and, as a Christian, placed his trust in God. Sometime last year, he started going to Novena Church just to find a quiet place to rest in between sessions. Then he told me he started visiting the churches within the vicinity of the gym – i.e., Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Church of Sts Peter & Paul and St Joseph’s Church on Victoria Street.
When I came back from Spain last month, he mentioned that he was considering signing up for the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This is the process whereby one becomes a Catholic. I asked how he came to the decision and he related one or two examples when he felt God was calling him. Particularly, he related an incident when a taxi driver who took him to Novena one day happened to also be Catholic and actually parked the cab and brought him into the church to introduce him to a priest.
A week later, he went to the Cathedral to look for a priest to speak with and encountered Father Nat, a priest whom I had gotten to know last year when he was assistant priest at the church where I sing on Sundays. I smiled and asked my trainer what happened. He related how Fr Nat seemed to be very busy yet gave him 30 minutes of his time. Then a few days later, another Catholic friend of M reminded him that the deadline for signing up for RCIA was on 31 May.
M messaged me on 30 May to ask if I knew another priest whom he could reach out to in order to clear up some concerns. I messaged back, “Didn’t you already speak with Fr Nat?”. M said he did but needed to clarify some things. Not knowing that there was a deadline involved, I mentioned a few priests I knew but that M would need to find time to speak with them.
Eventually, he messaged me the next day that he had taken the step to sign the form and submitted it online. He said that he left it to God and he had full trust that this is what God was calling him to do. Never have I been so happy for him, especially knowing of his struggles over the years. I told him that this was just the start of his journey and he said that he was well prepared with his rosaries (he has two) because Padre Pio refers to them as weapons against the devil.
Brothers and sisters, I don’t think I have ever witnessed a ‘calling’ in such a personal way. Yes, I have been privileged to serve and minister at various retreats but never have I journeyed (albeit on the sidelines) with someone who has decided to sign up for RCIA. I can only thank god for calling M and pray that He continues to nurture this new son/brother and that M perseveres in his own journey…which is only just beginning.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)
Prayer: Dear Abba Father, I pray for all those who are considering joining the flock. That they might have the courage and conviction to face their fears and trust in your Providence and almighty love.
Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for being the light that continues to shine into the darkest areas of our hearts.
