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 11:21-26,13:1-3
Mt 5:20-26
“…go and be reconciled with your brother first…”
Reconciliation is about making right a relationship, whether with God when we go for confession, or resolving a conflict with someone. Admitting our sins and saying “I’m sorry” first is probably one of the hardest things to do. But when we do, you can be certain it is a most beautiful moment when the hurt relationship is restored.
In this gospel, it seems that Jesus wants us to reconcile ‘in good time’ which I take it to be as quickly as possible, or else ‘he may hand you over to the judge and the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.’ Basically, you don’t want to wait until it’s too late or until you’re handed over to the ‘judge’ for the sin or error you have made. One of the many pieces of good advice I’ve heard for couples is to not go to bed angry; though sometimes we just need to cool off by reflecting on what had happened before speaking to the other party. Yet, waiting too long to reconcile can lead to no reconciliation at all.
After having had many good confessions, I have since learnt to appreciate the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It’s important to go in with the right mind set. I no longer feel that it is an obligation or because it’s something Catholics do. For me, I am serious about following Jesus, so I do not want any sins to keep me away from him. Coming clean with the Lord is not so bad, now that I do it more regularly and knowing its purpose.
However, saying ‘I’m sorry’ to a friend or loved one can sometimes be much more challenging. I find it especially difficult with my spouse. But I’ve since learnt not to wait too long to apologise. When something isn’t right, I’ll feel it right away in my heart – a sense of uneasiness and a troublesome emotion lingering until I make right. I believe that’s a grace I’ve been given. When I realise that I’ve done something to hurt another person or when I’ve committed an impulsive act, I’ll say a humbling prayer and be quick to go and reconcile with my brother or sister. Most of the time, there is a rightful reconciliation and the weight of uneasy heaviness is then lifted. However, not being forgiven can be a really awful feeing.
There is a friend whom I’ve tried to say sorry to once, but not only did she not acknowledge my apology, she also chided me for what I did. I’ve done what I felt was necessary and right by going up to her to apologise for what I did. I have even accepted her ‘scolding’. But still, it wasn’t good enough for her. Our relationship has been strained ever since. In such a case, I really do not know how else to make right the wrong. It’s sad when we are not forgiven and sometimes, that bitterness can fester. Although I feel a little hurt by this incident, I have surrendered the friendship to Jesus. If it’s meant to be restored, I’m sure he will find a way. Meanwhile, I will just have to learn to shake the dust off my sandals and move on.
Today, we also want to ask St Barnabas to help us have the courage to always choose to do the right thing, even when we may be persecuted, or when we are discouraged in faith.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Cynthia Chew)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times when we let our pride steal us away from you. You are our ever-loving and merciful Father, who’s always waiting for his children to come back penitent. Soften our hardened hearts so that we can feel the embrace of your love.
Thanksgiving: Thank you for loving all of us sinners, for being so patient and loving even when we are not worthy. We want to love you, Jesus, as much as you deserve. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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