We sometimes need to go to the Gospel reading to understand what is happening in the daily liturgy's first reading. Just as Jerusalem was the starting point of the first missionary effort, so Antioch was to be the starting point of the next missionary effort in the area now called Asia Minor.

The arrival of Christ and the growing appreciation of his message stirred up a divine restlessness in the hearts of those who heard him. Once people are convinced that Jesus has something of value to offer they get moving.

The streets of Rome, Lisbon, Goa and Macao could not contain Franics Xavier and Mateo Ricci. They moved eagerly, almost desparately, to bring what they believed to be the fullness of truth to a people already rich in wisdom and culture.

The message that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life reached Paul and Barnabas. It drove them to the streets and then the synagogue of Antioch. Their message was accepted by some in Antioch and rejected by others. Expelled from the city, they moved on to other villages and towns.

A thirst for truth is embedded in the hearts of men and women even when it seems to be stifled. It may well be that some of the people of the lands traversed by Xavier and Ricci will find themselves impelled by love to move west in order to re-announce Christ to a world that has become somewhat deaf to his call.