Remembering St. Barnabas (Mission Reminders)

Today we remember St. Barnabas and Fr. Benedict made mention of three important reminders about mission that we learn from today's readings. He already mentioned some of these reminders in his homily during the first MCG for this year (click here to read about it) but the message is timeless and it helps to be reminded of these things time and again. :)

1. All mission is dependent on God because it is God's mission. When you feel tired and tempted to give up because of the hardships you encounter in your mission, be reminded that the mission is not yours! It is God's. Therefore, you have the assurance that God will give you the endurance and the grace to finish strong.

2. Go and make your journey light. Jesus is saying "go fast" because the mission entails a quick response. Inaction is not acceptable in mission. A missionary spirit has a sense of urgency. You are not to bring anything heavy that will hinder you from moving fast and achieving more for the Lord.

3. We are not bringing God to our mission areas because He has always been there even before we arrive. A missionary is a person of faith who recognizes God's presence in the mission area where they are sent. We must realize that God is not only the one who sends us, but He is also the one who welcomes us. He goes before us and waits for us to get to where He is.

Just like St. Barnabas, may we have that special gift of faith, that before we question or complain, we appreciate first God's presence and the contribution of our fellow workers in the mission to spread the Good News and make disciples of all nations. :)

St. Barnabas: Patron of Cyprus, Antioch

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