DAILY MEDITATION (Text and Audio) *Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle* _Theme:_ *Selfless mission for others and Christ’s sake!* In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. The readings proper to today’s memorial are *Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3 and Matthew 10:7-13.* (Click link for the texts of the readings: https://bible.usccb.org). St. Barnabas was born in Cyprus (a Greek island) of wealthy Jewish parents. He later converted to Christianity. Strictly speaking, though he is called an Apostle, Barnabas is not one of the Twelve. He was one of Christ’s earliest disciples and traditionally considered to be among the 72 disciples Christ sent out on mission. (Lk 10:1-23). We recall that after his conversion and baptism, St. Paul went to Jerusalem, but the Christians were afraid to welcome him because they did not believe he was a disciple. It was Barnabas who brought him to the apostles and explained to them how he had been converted and how boldly he had spoken in the name of Christ. (Acts 9:26-28). Dear friends, the theme of today’s meditation invites us to ponder the following, *_“Selfless mission for others and for Christ’s sake!”_* In the first reading, we are told that Barnabas was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. This reading likewise describes his mission in Antioch which resulted in many becoming believers. We are told he went to Tarsus and looked for Paul and together they labored in preaching the good news in Antioch, and many more added to their number. It is here, that the followers of Christ were first called “Christian”. (Acts 11:21-26). Acts 13–15 describes Barnabas and Paul’s mission among the Gentiles, in Cyprus, Pisidia in Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe, Antioch in Syria, and their participation in the Jerusalem council in order to resolve the dispute that broke out in the Church in Antioch regarding the observance of the law of circumcision by new Gentile converts to Christianity. Acts 13:1 mentions John Mark, Barnabas’ cousin, as their companion at some point in Antioch. Barnabas’ gift of himself to the mission of Christ was so complete to the point that he suffered martyrdom at the hands of a mob in Cyprus in the year 62. He was buried by St. Mark. As we reflect on the life of this apostle and martyr, the following question should naturally come to mind: “How completely do I give myself in whatever I do, for the good of humanity and for the sake of Christ?” The life and example of Barnabas invite us to look beyond people’s limitations and see in them the good or contribution God is calling them to make – to the family, the Christian community, or the world at large. This is precisely what Barnabas did for Saul after his conversion experience: He gave him a chance to live-out his mission as Paul. Barnabas’ life of mission teaches us the true meaning of teamwork and cooperation in whatever it is we do for God and for humanity. We are not loners or islands, nor can we know it all or do it all. It takes honest cooperation to change the world around us. Of course, this requires a great deal of humility and gentleness. When we read the life of Barnabas in connection with the Gospel of today, we cannot help but notice four fundamental aspects of the missionary endeavor which every Christian is called to live-out in their respective vocations or works of life. These are: *i. Preach Christ and the kingdom of God, into which he calls all of humanity (Mt 10:7).* This is the core message we are called to preach in word and deed. Everything we do should therefore help us draw closer to and to promote the kingdom of God, in justice, peace, and love. This invites us to daily repentance and conversion from the things that distract us from the kingdom of God. This is what Barnabas labored for his entire life. *ii. A generous spirit must animate our lives* “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” (Mt 10:8). This reminds us of the fact that all we are and have is a gift from God to be shared with others. It is from this sense of gratitude that true missionary endeavor springs. Above all, the gift of faith we have been given is meant to be shared. Faith alive is always faith shared. The Christian must be eager and zealous to bring others to the faith or in helping others mature in the faith. We cannot keep the good news and joy of the Gospel to ourselves. We must always be looking for ways to share this joy with others. It helps to pause and reflect on the question, “Do I deliberately look for ways to share the joy of my faith with others, be they friends, family, co-workers etc.?” *iii. An attitude of detachment is required of us* Christ’s instruction to his apostles in today’s gospel, is that they should take neither gold nor silver nor copper; no haversack, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick as they go out on mission. (Mt 10:9-10). They were to spend all their energies and powers in preaching the gospel, and to depend so completely on Jesus who sent them, promising that he would provide for their needs through the people to whom they minister. This instruction of Jesus reminds us of the fact that every missionary must apply himself in the same way. The bottom line is that regardless of our circumstances, our means, or the times in which we live, detachment is central to missionary endeavor. This is what we are called to imitate in the life of Barnabas, who left father and mother, and spent his life to the point of shedding his blood for the sake of God and his kingdom. May nothing that we own, have or possess hinder us from living in or preaching the kingdom of God. *iv. We must be a people of peace* As we read in today’s gospel, the first thing Christ’s disciples were to do upon entering a house was to wish the household peace. The said household would receive the gift of peace depending on whether or not they were a peace-loving people. (Mt 10:11-13). Are we a peace-loving people? We cannot give what we do not have. Christ offers the world his peace which nothing can take away. He is inviting us to be channels of this peace to the world. This peace is not an absence of trials and tribulation, but a peace rooted in the firm assurance of faith in a God who has conquered the world (Jn 16:33) and who is with us until the end of the age (Mt 28:20), even amidst our trials and tribulations. It is a peace built upon the firm conviction of Christ’s definitive victory as Lord and Master over all. Dear friends, may we be trustworthy stewards and dispensers of Christ’s peace. Lord, make us instruments of your peace! May we be faithful and zealous co-workers with Christ in building and hastening the coming of his kingdom after the example and through the prayerful intercession of St. Barnabas and Mary Queen of Apostles. And may God bless you and keep you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Fr. Tegha