As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for laborers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town. ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:7-16
"Without grace, there is no hope, with it, there is no shortage." Today we celebrate the feast of St. Barnabas, although not one of the original twelve, was an early disciple after the crucifixion and sold his land to give to the church in Jerusalem. Barnabas is called the encourager, the one who helped others with their walk in faith. He brought Paul and introduced him to the disciples, despite the others' reluctance to work with Paul (Saul). Barnabas was Paul's sole support when Paul first became a Christian. He went on many missions with Paul and others, dying in Cyprus. He left a legacy of compassion and encouragement, always faithful and willing to give of himself in challenging circumstances.
Gracious Creator, you give a variety of gifts
we are made to preach, to sing and to love
you made some teachers and some writers
all to tell the story of your eternal love.
We forget the ones who taught us well
thinking we have learned all on our own
we refuse to encourage and support others
for we are jealous of the gifts you've given.
Let us all be like St. Barnabas this day
so we might encourage the unlikely ones
lift up the lowly, the forgotten and the poor
and be your heart and hands on earth today. Amen.
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