10th Week in Ordinary Time : Wednesday 11th June 2025

The early Christian community witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through Barnabas. In Antioch, a great number of believers came to Christ. This kerygmatic fervour and testimonies filled the early community with awe and wonder – at the power of the Holy Spirit at work among the committed disciples of Jesus.

Barnabas, being a good man and full of faith, went to Tarsus to recruit Paul to join him in the work of evangelization in Antioch. Subsequently, with Mark and Paul, they were commissioned by the Holy Spirit onto their first missionary journey outside of Antioch. Barnabas had disposed of his property for the benefit of the community (Acts 4:36-37). It was a testament to his embrace of a life of simplicity.

Indeed, Jesus wanted His disciples to live a life of simplicity. To work and rely on the providence of God, portrayed in the hospitality of others towards them for their missionary endeavor, is a character necessary to be a disciple of Jesus. Hence, to commemorate St Barnabas today is to imitate him not only for his generosity but for the astounding trust he had of the new community which he joined and abiding in the way of the Lord. Peace resides within a disciple’s heart. As Jesus says, “As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.” (v12-13).

Lord, may I never reserve Your gifts of peace from any community.