Tuesday 11 June 2024

Today is Tuesday 11 June, the feast of St Barnabas, in the 10th week of Ordinary Time. The Community of Taizé sing “the Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom.” Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 10:7-13 As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. Jesus instructed the apostles before they were sent out to “proclaim the good news.” How do you “proclaim the good news” in your day to day living? What good news could you bring to the people you meet over the next few days? Perhaps there is someone specific who springs to mind… Listen to the reading again and, as you do, listen out for the very clear instructions that Jesus gives. Can you imagine Jesus saying these words to you now? As this passage of prayer draws to a close, take a moment to pray and prepare yourself to go out into the world that God has given you and proclaim the good news… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.