Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures

Homily for Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time

As we move through the Sermon on the Mount, we will hear Jesus comment on many of the commandments. He does not turn away from the commandments, but he rather builds upon them to guide his followers to a renewed appreciation for the covenant that God makes with the people. We are people of the new covenant, but it is good for us to keep in mind that there would not be a new covenant were there not an old covenant that came before it.

St. Matthew’s Gospel contains over 60 direct citations from the Old Testament, along with numerous allusions that reinforce its themes. These references help establish Jesus' messianic identity and demonstrate continuity between Jewish tradition and the Christian faith. His emphasis on Old Testament prophecy aligns with his goal of presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish expectations.

We celebrate the memorial of St. Barnabas today. After St. Paul’s conversion it was Barnabas spoke up for him before the apostles who were full of doubt and suspicion because of Saul’s history of persecuting the followers of Jesus. His support for St. Paul sealed a deep and abiding friendship between the two, and they are often depicted as missionary companions in the Acts of the Apostles. On one occasion they were even mistaken as the embodiments of Hermes and Zeus, two God’s of the Greek pantheon. In addition to many missionary trips with St. Paul, Scripture also tells us that together with Paul, Barnabas successfully evangelized many Gentiles from various Hellenized cities throughout the Roman Empire. According to tradition, Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus around 61 A.D., having spent his life proclaiming Christ. Though not one of the 12, Barnabas is called an apostle nonetheless.

As we give thanks today for the example of this “son of encouragement,” let us also answer the call to be missionaries, men and women Gospel, within our own community.