10th Week in Ordinary Time : Saturday 11th June 2022

“Go and teach all nations,” says the Lord. Jesus calls all Christians to this mission. St Barnabas heard this, and he joined St Paul on his journeys. They fulfilled the mission by proclaiming God and God’s saving love to everyone.

What should one bring on this mission? Today Jesus tells us little of the physical things; instead, bring our faith and trust in God. There will be our walking sticks; instead, bring our courage for the mission. Then there will be our sandals; instead, let Jesus’ instructions challenge us to travel light for mission work. Barnabas did this.

Along the way, he learned that Jesus worked beside him and took care of him. He also learned humility knowing that Jesus was in charge of leading him on mission in new ways and to different peoples.

Travelling light for mission will transform us. We will become more open to God’s plans for us to build His Kingdom. We will not fear leaving our baggage – physical and emotional – behind but embrace the mission, be it sharing the faith with foreigners abroad or caring for another close to us locally. Travelling light will nurture a spirit of thanksgiving in us for God – that He values us to join Jesus on mission, and He provides everything we need as we do it.

Going on mission is hard work, even dangerous. Today Jesus readies us for it. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said. He is with us. Shall we say ‘yes’?

 Lord Jesus, lead me to do God’s work.