Memorial of St. 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 the 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 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. 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” or “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. 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- the family of God. 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.
How are we to live as Christians? Jesus in today’s Gospel encourages us to be righteous in how we talk and act. We are called into “right relationship” with God and with others, seeking to reconcile any differences before they become difficult to mend. Our willingness to live a life that treats others with love and respect is an important part in becoming Christ to others, so we can accurately be called “Christians”.
Today, spend time considering what it means to be called a “Christian” and reflect on how you live out your discipleship. Pray for the grace to walk more closely in the ways of Christ, so all will know you are Christian through your thoughts, words and actions.
—Marylynn Herchline