“The most striking line in today’s reading is this: “It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.”

They were called Christians—not because of a label, but because their lives reflected Christ.When people saw them, they said: “These people are like Jesus.”

Now let us bring this closer to home. We live in the Philippines, a country known to be the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. We have churches everywhere. We pray. We fill our churches, especially during Holy Week and Christmas.

But let us be honest. Despite being a Christian country, we are also known for something painful: corruption, dishonesty, and injustice. Sometimes, the same people who pray on Sunday are involved in unfair practices from Monday to Saturday.

Even our leadership is often criticized for corruption, abuse of power, and lack of integrity. And so the question becomes very real: Are we truly Christians—or only in name?

Because in Antioch, they did not just claim to follow Christ, they lived like Christ. That is why people recognized them.

But today, in our context, many people no longer look at what we say; they look at how we live. And sometimes, sadly, what they see does not reflect Christ.

If we want our country to change, it will not begin in Malacañang. It will begin in the heart. It will begin with us.

When we cheat, even in small things, when we lie for convenience, when we tolerate wrongdoing, when we choose silence instead of truth — we contribute to the same culture we complain about.

That is why the message today is very clear: To be Christian is not just a name; it is a way of life. If we want a better nation, we need better Christians.

Christians who are honest, even when no one is watching; fair, even when it is difficult; faithful, even in small responsibilities; and courageous in choosing what is right.

Let us remember Barnabas. He was described simply as: “a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” And because of that, many people were led to the Lord. Not because he was powerful, but because he was good.

My dear brothers and sisters, that is still possible today. You do not need position to influence others. You only need integrity.

So today, let us examine ourselves: If people look at our lives, will they say—“This person is truly a Christian”?

Not perfect, but sincere. Not flawless, but faithful.

Because in the end, our country will not be renewed by words alone, but by Christians who truly live like Christ.”