Saint Barnabas the Apostle

 The Collect
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Psalm
112

The Readings

Isaiah 42:5-12     +     Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3     +     Matthew 10:7-16

Thus says God, the LORD,
     who created the heavens and stretched them out,

     who spread out the earth and what comes from it,
who gives breath to the people upon it
     and spirit to those who walk in it:
I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness,
     I have taken you by the hand and kept you ...

~Isaiah 42:5-6a

These verses form part of one of the "servant songs" in the book of Isaiah--songs about a suffering, righteous servant appointed by God. Christians have understood these songs to point to Jesus, the Messiah, and in several places the gospels draw on the words and images of these songs to show Jesus as the fulfilment of the prophet's words. But as we read in today's Gospel, when Jesus sends out the Twelve, he instructs them: "Proclaim the good news . . . cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons" (Matt. 10:7-8). Those called and sent by Jesus are to do the very things that Jesus does; our ministry is his ministry, in which we participate. 

So, today receive these words as spoken to you: the God who creates all that is, who stretched out the heavens and the earth and gives life to all who move upon it--this God has called you, will hold you, and will keep you.  

Closing Prayer
Thank you, God, for calling us and empowering us for the ministry of your gospel. Help us, like your servant Barnabas, to be good, joyful, and faithful. And may we remember that you hold us always; through our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.