Today is St. Barnabas’ feast day. And as someone who knew nothing of Sr. Barnabas, I felt compelled to do a little Googling. Known to many as an early apostle of the Church, Barnabas advocated for Paul post his conversion. His name means “son of encouragement” and he’s the patron Saint of Cyprus, Antioch, and peacekeeping missions.
“You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment…”
Forgive and forget. It’s an easy enough phrase but so difficult to live. I have worked hard in my life to forgive - one relationship in particular. But forgetting? That is something entirely different. Trust broken is so hard to rebuild. I can’t say that those two concepts go hand in hand for me easily.
But isn’t that what Jesus is asking of us? Forgiving without holding grudges/forgetting isn’t really forgiving.
Today, if you pray the Examen, try to recount those relationships that you haven’t forgotten the wrongs. Let us take stock of the grudges we have and ask St. Barnabas’s intercession to encourage our hearts to truly heal so that we can be fully in communion with God.
Michele Bogard
As a product of formal Catholic education for 12 years, I truly believe my faith formation has come from working at Creighton University for the past quarter of century. Originally from the Chicago suburbs, I came to Creighton thinking that I would be in Omaha for a year or two and then move home. Little did I know how Creighton and Ignatian spirituality would alter my life plans! From accompanying students on Campus Ministry retreats, learning from former student/staff members who are now Jesuits, to working the Spiritual Exercises with the Deglman Center, I attempt to be a lifelong learner.
At work, I hope to help foster experiences where students feel a sense of belonging and focus on wellbeing, At home, I am a mother to a son who is a great source of joy, laughter and sore muscles (I am not an effective goalie for our front yard soccer practices and my tennis game is pretty rusty). A new gifted Kindle will hopefully help me catch up with a backlogged list of books I’ve been wanting to read. Carlos Ruiz Zafón is a favorite author. Travel is a lifetime passion; my son and I are already planning our next adventure.
I look forward to learning together with you as we reflect on the daily readings together.
