ST0611

Memorial of St. Barnabas

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?"

First Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22

Brothers and sisters:
As God is faithful, our word to you is not "yes" and "no."
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed to you by us,
          Silvanus and Timothy and me,
          was not "yes" and "no," but "yes" has been in him.
For however many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him;
          therefore, the Amen from us also goes through him to God for glory.
But the one who gives us security with you in Christ
          and who anointed us is God;
          he has also put his seal upon us
          and given the Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 119:129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135

R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

Wonderful are your decrees;
therefore I observe them.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

The revelation of your words sheds light,
gives understanding to the simple.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

I gasp with open mouth
in my yearning for your commands.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

Turn to me in pity
as you turn to those who love your name.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

Steady my footsteps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity rule over me.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

Let your countenance shine upon your servant,
and teach me your statutes.
R./ Lord, let your face shine on me.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples:
"You are the salt of the earth.
But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned?
It is no longer good for anything
          but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world.
A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket;
          it is set on a lampstand,
          where it gives light to all in the house.
Just so, your light must shine before others,
          that they may see your good deeds
          and glorify your heavenly Father."

Liturgy Alive

Introduction

St. Paul owed very much to this missionary, for Barnabas involved Paul in his work among the Christians of Antioch, who were of pagan origin. Acts called Barnabas "a prophet and teacher" and "a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith." He was an open spirit, convinced that if one had faith it was enough to let one become eligible to be a Christian. Inspired by the Spirit, the leaders of the community of Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on their missionary mission.

Opening Prayer

Lord our God,
prompted by the Holy Spirit,
the church of Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas
on their missionary mission among pagans.
Let your Church everywhere send
good, zealous men and women as missionaries.
Fill them with the Holy Spirit and with faith,
that they may touch the hearts of people
and win them as disciples and friends
of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Prayer over the GiftsLord God,

let the eucharist of Jesus
bring the light and life of your Son and his zeal
to our communities everywhere
to make them missionary
by the way they live
and to make Christ visible to people.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Prayer after Communion

God of all people,
at the celebration of St. Barnabas we pray:
Make all your missionaries
people of the Holy Spirit and of deep faith,
that they may speak to the people you send them
the words of life and joy of the good news
and cure the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse those unclean and cast out evil.
May they do so generously, without charge,
for they have received from you without charge
through Jesus Christ our Lord.