ST BARNABAS A.P., (Memorial) Red

He was a Levite from Cyprus and previously called Joseph. He came to faith soon after Pentecost and took the name Barnabas meaning “son of encouragement.” Although he was not one of the twelve apostles, he was considered an apostle in the Acts of the Apostles. He introduced Paul to the Apostles and worked with Paul in their mission to the Gentiles. He was later separated from Paul and together with Mark went on to evangelise in Cyprus. He also preached in Alexandria and Rome, and was stoned to death at Salamis about 61AD.

First Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Psalm: 98. R. 2b; Gospel: Mt 10:7-13

OUR WORLD IS IN NEED OF SELFLESS SERVICES

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

A poor young man helped a rich lady to fix her flat tyre along the road. He refused the money which the lady offered him as a sign of gratitude. Instead, the young man said to her “Show someone some kindness today.” The lady thanked him and left. Few kilometres away, this lady stopped by a restaurant for a meal. She felt so enthralled by the laudable services of a particular pregnant waitress and immediately remembered the words of the ‘good samaritan’ who helped her few hours ago. When she was done eating, she appreciated the pregnant lady with a token; twice the amount of money that was declined by her previous helper. Coincidentally, this lucky waitress was the wife of that selfless young man who helped her fixed her flat tyre.

Kindness is like a boomerang. It comes back to those who show it. And most times, it returns to us multiplied. But unfortunately, we live in a world where people seek immediate reward for any little service rendered. Selfless help is a very rare commodity. Jesus sent out his apostles with the following command: “You received without pay; give without pay.” This command does not only apply to gospel preachers but to all people. Our ability to render helpful services to people is itself a gift from God. So inasmuch as we work to earn a living, we also know that not every service requires some monetary reward. If we don’t learn to be kind, we will build a selfish world.

Many of us have lost greater rewards because of our demands and selfishness. Today, Jesus wants us to learn to help without seeking reward. To give without seeking to receive. To love without being compelled to do so. Services rendered as an occupation is different from services rendered out of kindness. We should be able to separate the two. When we do the latter, it is purely charity. And charity is a selfless service. But when we begin to monetise it, it loses its meaning. St Barnabas was an example of a selfless worker. He was more preoccupied by the need to serve others than his own need. We can learn from him and stop monetising every act of kindness we show.  

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, help us to be selfless in our services to one another. Amen.