From the Word of the Day
“Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts, no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep.” (Matthew 10: 9-10)
How should we live this Word
Jesus tells His disciples that the preaching of the Gospel must not be weighed down with anything. Evangelical poverty goes to the essential. It asks for radical trust in God’s Word and does not forget the demands of justice. A very obvious example comes from the Apostle we honor today, St. Barnabas whose name means ‘son of consolation’. He sells his field to help the first Christian community. He preaches the Gospel in Antioch and rejoices at the spread of the Gospel without worrying about these new converts from paganism. He backs Paul and stands by him in front of the Community. He then accompanies him on his first missionary voyages and participates in the Council of Jerusalem. Then he returns to Cyprus, the country of his birth, and spreads the Gospel.
Barnabas dedicated and made himself completely available to Christ with trust, generosity, and largeness of heart. He encouraged and stressed the positive aspects he found in people, like Paul, and in events, like the conversion to Christianity of the pagans of Antioch. He is a model for our Christian life today.
In my pause for silent contemplation, I will ask Jesus to help me be active in spreading His Word with much trust and generosity.
Lord, help me to be available and understanding in spreading the Gospel, knowing how to encourage all those I meet and to renounce everything that hinders my journey to You.
The Voice of St. Francis of Assisi
When Francis of Assisi despoils himself of all his goods, he makes a witness choice inspired directly by God, but at the same time, he shows everyone the way of trust in Divine Providence. (Homily of Pope Benedict XVI, 2009)
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