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June 11, 2018

In the first reading we see the amazing spread of the Gospel message and the number of believers in the early Church, especially through the ministry and travels of St. Paul.

In the Gospel reading, the Beatitudes give us values to aspire for. The Beatitudes give us hope to move forward in very difficult times and challenges. The Beatitudes promise light and joy at the end of sorrow and pains in this life.

All want to experience the joys of the heavenly kingdom: the Beatitudes tell us that heaven will be enjoyed by the poor in spirit, the gentle and merciful, the pure of heart and the peace-makers, and those persecuted for justice’s sake.

In a way the Beatitudes also tell us that we can have a “foretaste” of the joy and glory of heaven even now in earth. We will be blessed if we live in poverty of spirit, in being merciful and pure of heart, in working for peace and in being ready to be persecuted for the cause of truth and justice. Indeed these choices are not the usual choices or preferences of men and women of this world. But we are men and women seeking and living the kingdom of God even while we live in this world.

Do we want to be among the “fortunate” in the kingdom of God, even now and forever in heaven?

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 34, Issue 4

<< Monday, June 11, 2018 >>

St. Barnabas

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
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Psalm 98:1-6

Matthew 10:7-13
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ENCOURAGING YOURSELF OUT OF A JOB

"Barnabas went off to Tarsus to look for [Paul]." �Acts 11:25

Whenever a lowly underdog needed an advocate, the apostle Barnabas stepped forward. Barnabas was a champion for those who needed a second chance. Barnabas took Paul under his protection when Paul risked his life to return to Jerusalem (see Acts 9:27). Barnabas introduced Paul to the apostles and spoke glowingly on Paul's behalf. Without Barnabas' intervention, those in Jerusalem would have "refused to believe that [Paul] was a disciple" at all (Acts 9:26), given Paul's background of zealously persecuting disciples of Jesus. When the church in Antioch needed encouragement and instruction, Barnabas brought in Paul to provide it (Acts 11:25ff). Barnabas brought financial relief to Christians in Jerusalem who were suffering the effects of a famine (Acts 11:30).

When Barnabas was chosen as the leader of the first evangelical mission (Acts 13:2), he took along his young cousin Mark (Col 4:10). Barnabas' encouragement of Paul bore fruit as Paul stepped out and proclaimed God's Word in great power. Soon Barnabas lost his leadership job as Paul ascended to the top spot in the mission because of his powerful preaching.

When the pressure increased, Mark left the missionary team. Barnabas later took Mark under his wing when Paul refused to take Mark back (Acts 15:37ff). But Barnabas' advocacy for Mark meant the loss of his own job on the missionary team. At this point, Barnabas disappears from the pages of the Acts of the Apostles. Yet Barnabas' humble, selfless encouragement bore fruit again. Mark became a strong evangelist, even writing a Gospel. Barnabas decreased, but his prot�g�s increased greatly (Jn 3:30).

Prayer: Father, may I raise up disciples for Jesus as did Barnabas.

Promise: "The gift you have received, give as a gift." —Mt 10:8

Praise: St. Barnabas' great faith bore great fruit. He dedicated himself to following the promptings of the Holy Spirit, despite not knowing the end result beforehand.