Daily Catholic Lectio
Tue, 28 April 2026
Fourth Week of Easter
Ac 11:19-26. Jn 10:22-30
Encouraging
The Word of God today gently places before us a simple but powerful invitation: to encourage, to strengthen, to bring life into the lives of others. In a world that often criticizes, compares, and discourages, the Christian is called to be a source of encouragement.
In the first reading (Acts 11:19–26), one figure quietly stands out—Barnabas. His very name means “son of encouragement.” He is not among the most dramatic figures like Peter or Paul. He has no extraordinary vision, no striking conversion story. Yet, his role is indispensable. He listens to the voice of the Church, and he goes where he is sent. He sees the grace of God at work in Antioch, rejoices, and encourages the believers to remain faithful.
Barnabas teaches us something essential: encouragement is a form of mission. It is not passive. It is not secondary. It builds the Church. When others doubted Saul, Barnabas believed in him. When Saul needed a place, Barnabas created space for him. When the mission needed strength, Barnabas went in search of Saul and brought him into the work. He is a bridge-builder, one who connects, one who sees potential where others see risk.
This is not a small thing. Many lives remain closed, not because they lack talent or grace, but because they lack someone who believes in them. A word of encouragement can open a future. A gesture of trust can begin a vocation. Barnabas shows us that to encourage another is to participate in God’s own work.
There is also a beautiful movement in this reading. Barnabas does not remain confined to himself. He goes out. He seeks Saul. He brings him back. Encouragement always moves outward. It does not stay within comfort. It goes in search of the other. Today, however, we are often tempted to turn inward—to focus only on our goals, our struggles, our journey. The result is isolation. But when we step out and begin to think of others, something changes. Our life becomes wider, lighter, and more meaningful.
It is in this context that the disciples in Antioch are first called “Christians.” Their identity is born in a community that encourages, welcomes, and builds one another. To be called a Christian, then, is not only to believe in Christ, but to reflect his way of relating—lifting others, strengthening others, walking with others.
In the Gospel (John 10:22–30), Jesus speaks again of the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep. “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Encouragement begins with listening. The sheep recognize the voice because they are attentive. Faith itself begins here—in listening. Without listening, there is no relationship. Without relationship, there is no encouragement.
Jesus also offers a deep assurance: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” These are words of profound encouragement. Our lives are not fragile in his hands. We are held, known, protected. In moments of fear, doubt, or uncertainty, this promise becomes our strength. The one who encourages us first is Christ himself.
And this is where the two readings meet. Barnabas is able to encourage others because he himself is rooted in this assurance. He has listened. He has trusted. He knows that the work is God’s. And so he can rejoice in others, support others, and walk with others without fear or insecurity.
Today, the Word invites us to ask a simple question: who needs encouragement from me? Perhaps someone close to us—a family member, a colleague, a fellow believer—who is waiting not for advice, but for a word of affirmation, a sign of trust, a presence that strengthens.
To encourage is not to do something extraordinary. It is to see, to listen, to believe in the other, and to walk with them. It is to become, in a quiet way, like Barnabas.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A ‘Yesni Prays’ Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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