Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Psalm 98:1-6, Matthew 10:7-13

FEAST OF ST. BARNABAS

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3, Psalm 98:1-6, Matthew 10:7-13

Acts 11:21-26, 13:1-3

My Beloved, the evidence that You are with us and that we are doing Your work is the visible fruit that flourishes from the mission entrusted to us. So it is in the Church in Antioch, through the Good News preached by Your disciples according to Your command, a great number believed and were saved and a large, flourishing community was established.

The Mother Church is always watching over her members to ensure that they are not being led astray, so she sends Barnabas to see for himself, if the good reports they had heard were true. The church in Antioch would be encouraged and strengthened by his visit. 

The wonderful character reference given to Barnabas is one that should be made of all disciples. We are told that he was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith this is why large crowds came to know the Lord. 

We also see here how fasting must accompany our celebration of the Eucharist. It helps us to be keenly attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit so we can discern what You desire of Your disciples. Prayer and fasting are an unbeatable combination if we truly desire to know God's will for our lives and to do it. 

Psalm 98:1-6

My Beloved, this psalm praises God for what will take place in the future. It is a prophecy of Your coming into the world. It speaks of God's awesome love and faithfulness in remembering His children. He will give us a Savior who will be victorious over evil, sin, and death, and the world and all its people will rejoice at all that He will do in order to save and redeem the people of God.

Matthew 10:7-13

My Beloved, Your command to Your disciples and the mission entrusted to them remains unchanged. Every one who believes in You, all who are baptized are called without exception. No matter who we are or what our station in life is, no matter how great or small we perceive ourselves to be, or how weak or powerful; each in their own way must shine Your light of truth in the world.

We who are called are given clear instructions and we are equipped with everything we will need to carry it out. We must proclaim the message that the Kingdom of God is here. Together with this message verses 8-10 tells us that we we are called to, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts— no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep."

We are called to use our judgement in choosing those who will help us and once they open their homes to us we will leave Your blessings and peace on everyone who welcomes us for Your sake.