June 11, 2020 Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time–A ST. BARNABUS, APOSTLE
Acts of the Apostles 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Psalm 98
Matthew 5:20-26
When Barnabus arrived in Antioch and saw the grace of God he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart. Acts. 11:23
Jesus says “whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Mt. 5:22
Lord, your servant Barnabus was well named because his name means “son of encouragement.” He was full of encouragement to those who were becoming believers in your Good News of salvation. The brothers and sisters in faith of Antioch were fasting and praying when the Holy Spirit told them to send Saul and Barnabus on a journey to bring the Gospel to Jews and Gentiles in Asia Minor. I wonder if they felt qualified for such a dangerous and risky mission. There is an expression that you don’t’ call the equipped but equips the called. You don’t call us to complete your work on earth without giving us the grace, wisdom and opportunities to do it. You teach us that anger can often lead to more serious sins so it needs to be avoided when it comes from unjust or vengeful motives. So Paul and Barnabus set out with the anointing of the church in Antioch on a mission that would change the world. They trusted in God’s provision just as I can. Lord, give me the grace of encouragement you gave Barnabus so I can be a light to someone in darkness today. St. Barnabus pray for us. Amen.