Acts 11: 21b-26; 13:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord. Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
Now there were in the Church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Symeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who was a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off.
Dawg's thought:
Today's prayer intention is for Joan, who found out she has lung cancer, and for all those who know and love her.
Although there are many letters written by St. Paul, we know that he was not alone in serving Our Lord. He was given a companion of large stature: St. Barnabas.
We have all been given each other as a gift so that we may grow in love and service for Our Lord. We must recognize each others gifts and appreciate how God created each person, including yourself. Without St. Barnabas, how far would St. Paul have spread the Gospel message? How many of St. Paul's letters would not have been written? Yet, he remains a figure in the background as a loyal and devoted companion. May we be loyal and devoted companions for each other as we continue to spread the Gospel message in a world in need of hope. Take care and God Bless.
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