READINGS for 2007-06-11

Memorial of St. Barnabas, apostle

 

  PROVISION

The laborer deserves his keep. – Matthew 10:10

 When David (not his real name) started preaching, everyone could tell that he had the potential to become really famous. He had a young wife and two very  young children. They lived in a poor part of town and had few material possessions.
      However, as his reputation for being a good speaker spread, and as he got invited to give more and more talks, he was slowly able to start building his own house, get a second-hand car, and live more comfortably. When this happened, tongues started wagging.
      Why does he ask for a love offering when he gives a talk? Isn’t it that the Word of God should be preached without cost? He has become materialistic! Negosyo na yan!
       These were the less hurtful comments he heard. The Gospel today vindicates David,  I believe. The Lord understands that we have everyday needs. And He provides for them. And because He is David’s boss, He lavishes him with the greatest benefits.
       Of course, there are those who have abused the work of the Lord for their own purposes. Only the Lord knows, however, who they are. If you think you do, you may be wrong. Don’t you think we should leave all judgment to Him and instead focus on how we can be His laborers where we are called? Maybe then we will deserve our keep. Victoria L.

REFLECTION:
Are we quick to judge the motives of others?

Provide, Lord, for Your workers. And guide them well that they may not abuse Your generosity that You channel through others.

1st READING

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

Barnabas was a man who was instrumental in bringing Paul into the life of the Church and vouching for him before the Apostles. Sometimes God uses us to  form others who have gifts greater than our own so that their gifts will be made fully available to the Kingdom of God. It is important that we not see ourselves as second rate or second best in all this. God asks us to be faithful to that which He asks us to do – nothing more; nothing less. This is all that we need to worry about doing.
  
21 The hand of the LORD was with them and a great number who believed turned to the LORD. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas [to go] to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the LORD in firmness of heart, 24 for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the LORD. 25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were  first called Christians. 13: 1 Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 While they were worshipping the LORD and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

R: The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power.

1 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The LORD has made his salvation known in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R) 5 Sing praise to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and melodious song. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn sing joyfully before the King, the LORD. (R)

G O S P E L

Matthew 10:7-13

Evangelization is primarily the work of God. Yes, He might need us to be instruments or vessels through which it is proclaimed and lived as an example, however, it is the Holy Spirit who brings about conversion in the life of the individual. We need not worry about numbers or the elegance of our words as long as we are faithful to all that God is calling us to. God will provide for His servants; God will bring about the increase – nothing is possible without God and everything is possible within His Will!
  
7 “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 9 Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10 no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter a house, wish it peace. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”

my reflections
think: Sometimes God uses us to form others who have gifts greater than our own so that their gifts will be made fully available to the Kingdom of God.

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God’s special verse/thought for me today________________

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T O D A Y ’ S BLESSING LIST

Thank You Lord for: ____________________________________

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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR Psalm 141-150

AN APOSTLE TO THE APOSTLES

St. Barnabas, whose blessed memory we celebrate today, hailed from Cyprus. He was of great importance to the spread of the Gospel because he was the one who introduced St. Paul to the other apostles and testified to the latter’s conversion. The work of Paul in preaching the Gospel to the gentiles needed the apostles’ approval, since the apostles were the pillars of the Church.
      Having gained the approval of the apostles, Paul went to an extensive preaching of the Gospel and building up of Christian communities. Barnabas was his companion in his first missionary journey. In the First Council of Jerusalem, Barnabas was also there with Paul.
     After converting many souls for Christ, Barnabas suffered martyrdom at Cyprus where he preached during Nero’s reign. He is considered an “apostle” too.
     We are sometimes called to be like Barnabas. We are needed to introduce someone to the Christian community and testify to his or her conversion. We do not realize the importance of our role until we see its fruit. Barnabas’ role produced a “St. Paul”. Thanks be to God! Barnabas was an apostle to the apostles. Fr. Bobby T.

REFLECTION QUESTION: Have I introduced anyone to the Church?

Lord Jesus Christ, help me to bring more souls closer to You and to Your Church. When called upon to bear witness to the conversion of anyone, may I always have the wisdom and courage to do so. Teach me how to be an apostle to the apostles. Amen.

St. Barnabas, apostle and martyr, pray for us.