Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Liturgical Colour: Red. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
Readings for the memorial
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First reading
Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3
Barnabas was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. 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, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 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.
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. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
Commentary
Acts 11:21b-26 and 13:1-3 provide key insights into the early Christian church's growth and missionary activities, highlighting the spread of the gospel and the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas.
Growth of the Church in Antioch
Many people turned to the Lord, and Barnabas was sent to support the new believers, further strengthening the church.
Barnabas Seeks Saul
Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) to Antioch, where they taught many people for a year. Antioch was the first place where disciples were called Christians.
Prophets and Teachers in Antioch
The church had diverse leaders, including Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, Manaen, and Saul, reflecting the early church's inclusive nature.
The Holy Spirit’s Call
During worship and fasting, the Holy Spirit instructed the church to set apart Barnabas and Saul for their mission, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance.
Commissioning of Barnabas and Saul
The church fasted, prayed, and laid hands on Barnabas and Saul, sending them off on their missionary journey, highlighting the church’s role in supporting missions.
These passages illustrate the early church's growth and missionary zeal, emphasizing strong leadership, spiritual guidance, and the church's role in spreading the gospel.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
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Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 28:19a, 20b
Alleluia, alleluia.
Go and teach all nations, says the Lord;
I am with you always, until the end of the world.
Alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel
Matthew 10:7-13
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.
Jesus said to the Twelve: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 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. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you.”
Commentary
Matthew 10:7-13 encapsulates Jesus's directive to his disciples, emphasizing proclamation, power, dependence, hospitality, and discernment in their mission, providing foundational principles for kingdom ministry.
- Divine Proclamation: Jesus sends out his disciples to announce the kingdom of heaven's nearness.
- Manifestation of Power: They are endowed with the authority to perform miraculous acts, validating their message.
- Radical Dependence: Instructed to travel light, they exemplify reliance on God's provision.
- Hospitality's Significance: Emphasizing the importance of hospitality, Jesus highlights its role in kingdom manifestation.
- Discerning Recipients: Disciples are urged to discern receptive environments for their message.
Matthew 10:7-13 portrays a mission strategy emphasizing divine proclamation, miraculous demonstration, radical dependence, hospitality's value, and discerning ministry environments, offering timeless guidance for kingdom-centred service.
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