RBWords

     The gospel scripture for the feast of St. Barnabas is the fundamental teaching of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount which we traditionally call "the Beatitudes."  Each one of the eight beatitudes could be the subject of a book, let alone a brief reflection like this one.  Pope Francis fashioned a major part of his recent "apostolic exhortation" on holiness in everyday life (GAUDETE ET EXULTATE) around the beatitudes.  In reading them this morning, the fifth, sixth and seventh seemed to stand out.  These concern those who are merciful, clean of heart and peacemakers.

     The holiest people I have ever met have all been people who seemed to understand human nature in the light of Jesus' teaching and ministry of mercy.  They have all been people who showed integrity of faith - a cleanness of heart - that said to me that their faith was not easily, if ever, shaken!  They were people whose very presence seemed to make people want to stop quarreling and follow them.  Although I never met her, St. Teresa of Calcutta comes to mind.  The people I am speaking about were not trouble- or sorrow-free.  St. Teresa lived with a great spiritual darkness much of her life, but continued in her ministry of caring for "the least in the kingdom."   I have met other people whose lives, not as famous as hers, nevertheless showed some of the same characteristics.

     To maintain an apostolic effort like that of St. Barnabas (who had to put up with the company of St. Paul for years) required those characteristics that I have just mentioned.  I think they give us something to strive for.  Pope Francis tells us that it is all within our reach if we are willing to reach for it.  AMEN