Antioch first called Christians

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 11:19-26; PS 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 10:22-30

Note: The Feast of Dedication celebrates the Maccabees’ victory over oppression and the rededication of the Temple which had been defiled. Known also as the Festival of Lights, because immediately following the miraculous military deliverance, God provided another miracle of light as told in the tradition of the Talmud.

Read 1 & 2 Maccabees to experience a sense of victory of faith over severe oppression.
In today’s readings Jesus himself connects these miraculous events to his own person.

That is:

• The reality of the oppression of evil.
• The response of the signs of Jesus, the power of divine response.
• The freedom of life after death, the resurrection, the liberation.
• Jesus is the Light of the World, of the Temple.

First reading

Having been scattered, some went to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch,
preaching the word to no one but Jews.

Having been scattered, some 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.

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.

So now you know where you got your name. You also now know that the efforts of these early believers was evidenced by the conversions and growth of the Church.

Gospel portion

The feast of the Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem.

How long are you going to keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.

Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
The works I do in my Father’s name testify to me.

The gospel of John records so many things in particualr the seven signs of Jesus.

The gospel ends with this message:

There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry