Monday, June 11, 2002
St. Barnabas, Apostle
1st Reading: Acts 11:21-26; 13:1-3
Gospel: Mt 10:7-13
Jesus said to his disciples, "Go and proclaim this message: The
kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life,
cleanse the lepers, and drive out demons. You received this as a gift,
so give it as a gift. Do not carry any gold, silver or copper in your
purses. Do not carry a traveler's bag, or an extra shirt, or sandals,
or walking-stick: workers deserve their living.
When you come to a town or a village, look for a worthy person and stay
there until you leave.
As you enter the house, wish it peace. If the people in the house deserve
it, your peace will be on them; if they do not deserve it, your blessing
will come back to you."
Commentary
Jesus clarifies the mission of those he has chosen: to be light of the world, and not merely to be a light in the world. You are neither saviors nor the best in the world, but God has chosen you and through you he will make himself known. The covenant of the salt was the covenant of God with those who were to serve him forever. (Num 18:19) Through faithful disciples the world benefits from the covenant with God. They must continually enkindle in the world the desire and struggle for true justice and perfection, and not allow human societies to become satisfied with mediocrity. Truthful at any cost, faithful to the end, just in business, humble in service, kind in relationships, happy in all dealings, these are the people who give flavor to our world.