Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 13, 2025

Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter

Scripture Text:  Acts 11:19-26

Those who had been scattered by the persecution that arose because of Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but Jews. There were some Cypriots and Cyrenians among them, however, who 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. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.  Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. 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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The first reading for today recounts the spread of Christianity throughout the region through the witness of believers. This growth was especially apparent in Antioch through the witness of believers, especially Barnabas and Paul.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I witness to others, sharing my faith, hope and love and presenting Christ as Son of God and Savior?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved and only-begotten Son to us as our brother and our redeemer. Through his words and his actions, He revealed You and your great love for us, most especially in His selfless sacrifice upon the cross of Calvary for our salvation. Before His ascension, He commanded us to go forth and to spread the faith, to sow the hope, to live the love He modeled for us to all the corners of the earth. Send your Spirit to make of us true and effective witnesses to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, every day and in every way possible. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.