Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church
Gn. 3:9-15, 20 | Ps, 87:1b-3, 5-7 | Jn 19:25-34
Barnabas was a disciple of Paul who worked in Antioch. He is identified as one of the prophets in Antioch as was Paul. Barnabas converted many people in Antioch and then went to obtain Paul to come to help him. Many more were converted to the following of Christ through their efforts. We are told that it was here, in Antioch, that the followers were called Christians for the first time. After praying to the Holy Spirit, the early Church was called to send Paul and Barnabas to go forth to teach others.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that we have received much without cost so we are to give without cost. Jesus sends His apostles to the various towns and tells them to bring peace to those towns. If that peace is not accepted, then it will come back to them. If they are not accepted, they are to leave the town and move on. It is important to realize that all we have and all we are has been given to us freely. Jesus asks us to use all these gifts to bring His Word to others. We should do all this freely and graciously.
How are you a disciple today? How are you bringing the “Good News” to all? What area of the beatitudes needs more work from you? Make a plan to begin to do so today.