Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Each of us has been given a name at birth. In most western cultures we are given a family name or surname that identifies us with a certain family. Surnames in some cases were used to describe the profession (e.g. Eisenhauer- iron worker), the place where the family was from (Washington- someone from the town of Wassa), or even a relationship (my maiden name Broderick means a “descendant of Bruadar”.) We are also given a “first name” or forename in our society. These names are usually chosen to honor a previous relative (e.g. naming someone after a great grandma) or may even be based on naming them after a saint. Recently, I have talked with 2 expectant couples as they grapple with the task of finding the name which best captures the spirit of their soon to be son or daughter. Our names in some way communicate to others our families of origin, our ethnicity, but mostly over time they help identify who we are- this unique person in world and our relationships to others.
This idea of giving a name takes on significance in today’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Barnabas and Saul have been sent to Antioch where they “taught a large number of people” and a “large number of people was added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:26) The reading then states that “in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26) When I first read this passage I thought that it was the disciples who were naming themselves as Christians- or belonging to Christ. But reading it more carefully, the term “Christian” is used in reference to the disciples by the people of Antioch. It was most likely the Gentiles (or Greeks of Antioch) who used this term to distinguish them from the Jews. There are only 2 other references using the word “Christian” in the New Testament: Acts 26: 28 where Herod Agrippa responds to Paul asking “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian? The second reference is 1 Peter 4:16 where Peter tells those being persecuted “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” In each instance, there is a somewhat negative implication to the name, and those given the name were often the target of persecution and trials. Although Saul, Barnabas, and the other followers of Jesus would have used terms like “disciple” of “those of the Way” to describe their affiliation with Jesus, over time the term Christian began to become a name which described individuals who through word and action lived out their faith in Jesus despite the trials and persecutions that they faced. The term Christian although initially given as a name to indicate disrespect has become a title which many people across the world proclaim as the family to which they belong- God’s family. This name and relationship with God was established through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It is our belief in Him and living out that call that allows us to bear this name- Christian.
In order for us to be able to call ourselves Christians, we must live as Jesus demands. In the gospel, Jesus gives us specific directions on how we are to live when we “belong to Him.” He tells the apostles, “make this proclamation: “The kingdom of God is at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and drive our demons.”(Matthew 10:7-8) Not only are we to carry out these tasks, but we are to do them in total trust. “Do not take gold or silver or copper for your blest/ no sack for the journey or a second tunic, or sandals or walking stick.” (Matthew 10:9-10) To be His follower- a Christian- is a challenging task. It is only with Jesus’ promise “I am with you always until the end of the world” (Matthew 28:20) that we could even begin to live out this calling.
As we reflect on the name “Christian” today, let us spend time remembering what that means for us today. Do we live as “belonging to Christ” in our thoughts words and actions? Do we trust Him completely to guide and direct us and not rely other people or things to give us support? Do we remain faithful to His teachings even when there are difficulties or persecutions from the world around us? Do we recognize that He is truly with us always, and His presence is what gives us the hope, peace and love that we need to live as His disciples?
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Son who came into the world to save us. Through his incarnation we have been invited into your family and we are given the name “Christian”. Send down your Spirit that we may live out our lives in such a way that those of the world will see Christ in all that we say and do. May we bring you glory always, we pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline