home on the range
"The Holy Spirit spoke to them: 'Set apart Barnabas and Saul for Me to do the work for which I have called them.' " —Acts 13:2
Barnabas was from Cyprus (Acts 4:36). He is the patron saint of Cyprus to the present day. On the first ever Christian missionary journey, Barnabas and Saul first went to Cyprus (Acts 13:4). This is significant. The first mission was not a foreign mission for Barnabas; it meant going home with the Gospel. We likewise are sent on mission beginning right where we are and then to the neighborhood, city, nation, and world (see Acts 1:8). Our first Christian mission is to our spouse, children, co-workers, and the people we see every day. Of course, this is the most difficult mission field. However, charity begins at home, and the love which motivates us to evangelize also begins at home.
Barnabas began his second missionary journey by also going to Cyprus (Acts 15:39). Although the Lord gives us missions beyond our homes, families, and neighborhoods, we continue to go home with the Gospel so that all will be saved (1 Tm 2:4) and go to their final home with the Lord in heaven.
Prayer: Father, may I be willing to die to lead my family to You.
Promise: "As you go, make this announcement: 'The reign of God is at hand!' Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons." —Mt 10:7-8
Praise: St. Barnabas twice made missionary journeys to his homeland of Cyprus, evangelizing "the whole island" (Acts 13:6). His love for Jesus and for his homeland resulted in the conversion of the governor of Cyprus (Acts 13:12).
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflets, Leading Your Loved Ones to Christ, and Home-Schooling and Home-Discipling.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014
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