After Barnabas and Saul completed their relief mission,
they returned to Jerusalem, taking with them John, who is called Mark.
Acts 12:25

Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.
Acts 13:2

I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.
John 12:46

At a time in the world when we are cautioned to stay at home and stay safe, today’s readings are all about being Sent.  Jesus tells us three times in the gospel that he is sent by the Father.  In Acts, we hear of God sending Barnabas and Saul. 

The two men have returned to Jerusalem after a relief mission.  There, in the midst of the disciples, the Holy Spirit tells the followers, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”  They had been praying and fasting with the community, and now felt the call from the Holy Spirit.  It was a call to a mission that, at least for Saul, would last the rest of his life. And the call from the Holy Spirit came as they prayed. 

God can speak to us loudly in the silence of our lives.  For many of us, one benefit of these current times is an increase in quiet and time to reflect. More time to listen in the stillness for God to speak to us.

Jesus says in today’s gospel, “I came into the world as light so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” All of us, like Barnabas and Saul, are called by God, sent on a mission for God to carry that light into the world.  We are sent to witness with joy in our isolation.

For each of us, the sending is different. At our jobs, in person on or online, we can make an extra effort be kind in times of tension. At home we may have more time to spread light to others with phone calls, emails and making an extra effort for our family.

The word Apostle means “one who is sent.” Today, each of us is sent in some way into the world as the apostles were. It may not seem dramatic, but it is a relief mission of bringing comfort and light to others. We can share our joy and offer ourselves at a distance as a source of love and companionship, so that like Barnabas and Saul, “the word of God continued to spread and grow.”

Today’s psalm offers us a closing prayer:

May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.