SET APART AND SENT

Today we honor St. Barnabas, a contemporary of Peter, Paul and the other apostles. He is also given the title of apostle, for that was what he truly was. With a name meaning “son of consolation,” Barnabas had a helpful, optimistic nature. Upon his conversion shortly after Pentecost, he gave up all his possessions. He assisted Paul and accompanied him for a while on the first missionary journey.

From our liturgical readings today, we obtain helpful clues as to the apostles’ mission. The first is that they are “set apart,” as in the case of Barnabas and Saul. The term means “reserved,” designated for a special mission. From the Gospel, however, we note that apostles are sent. In the case of the former, the “setting apart” is upon a command of the Holy Spirit — who is the one doing the setting apart, in reality. In the latter case, the apostle is sent, but not just on his own into a sinkor- swim situation. No, he has his “marching orders,” not so much to fulfill as in a to-do list, but more to guide him on what to bring or what to do so as to carry out the mission in a more focused and efficient way.

Have we ever considered that as followers of Jesus Christ, we, too, have been in a way set apart and sent? We might think perhaps that the Christian life is merely to blend along with the rest of our fellow Christians. Nothing can be farther from the truth. God is setting us apart from the rest, for a special mission — a unique one, which He might not likewise be giving to others.

It is not that the mission is ours entirely. Here perhaps is an instance when the “passive voice” of the verb (grammatically speaking) is truly preferable. While we may be the one being set apart and sent, God on the other hand is truly the one acting in both the setting apart and the sending. In allowing Him to act upon us, we become worthy instruments in the hands of God, just like Barnabas was in his lifetime. Fr.Martin Macasaet, SDB

 

Reflection Question:

What has God sent you to do with your life? If it isn’t clear yet, ask Him for the grace to know in prayer and through your life history and personal giftedness.

 

Here I am, Lord. Send me.

 

St. Herebald, pray for us.