Christ means “anointed one” therefore we “Chris- tians” are the followers of this “anointed one”, and in our baptism we receive the same anointing through the Holy Spirit which enables us to share, reflect and glorify the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. We see it happening in the first reading; the Holy Spirit is spreading like wild fire through ordinary people who in the eyes of the world are nobodies but now made partakers of a mission far beyond the realm of human understanding. When we share and proclaim the good news we are sharing in the power, dominion that is been given in the name of the “anointed one” the “living one” Jesus Christ our Lord. That is why the authentic message of Christianity disturbs the world.

At my last place of employment, I was mocked and ridiculed for speaking in the name of Christ. They called me brainwashed, but in that moments of ridicule my heart rejoiced. It is a great joy and privilege to be mocked in the name of Christ. That is what we see when Barnabas visited Antioch, did he rejoice because he saw what luxurious lives the people were living in? No, he saw how people were rejoicing even in the midst of persecution and hardships. Inter- nal obedience brings external blessings. When we remain faithful to God’s mission his grace moves in our life and our environment, our needs are met in supernatural ways, life has meaning and purpose. In Solomon’s portico before the Jews, walks the anointed one,
the same presence that moved in an awe-inspiring manner in the temple as described in Ezekiel (Ezekiel 10) and the very reason for the feast of dedication.(2 Maccabees 10) But to these Jews, Jesus does not fit their perspective of what he should be, hence they reject him. Similarly, the world may reject us but our calling is for an eternal dwelling.Our Lord refers to us as sheep, because sheep have the unique ability to discern the voice of their caretaker among thousand others, we are Christians because the Father has called us by name, nothing can take that away from us, hence we should not be afraid to live the calling of an authentic Christian.

Prayer: Abba Father, I thank you for calling me to be your own. By your grace empower me to share your love with others. Amen