Discipleship is a lifelong process of pleasing God. The heart of Jesus’ ministry was his investment in the lives of his disciples. His followers continued it in the early church. In today’s first reading, we see Paul and Barnabas pouring their lives out, to form believers in Antioch. They nurtured and trained them to be disciples and helped them grow in their faith. In Matthew 28:18 Jesus gave the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations”. It is therefore our responsibility and mission to continue this great commission, by following in their footsteps. Discipleship can be challenging and requires commitment to invest time in people, to facilitate their conversion and spiritual growth, so that they can produce fruit and multiply. On this feast of St. Barnabas, we give thanks to the Lord for our spiritual mentors, teachers, priests and any-one in Christian discipleship or leadership. We pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen them with his grace, to continue with their vocations.

PRAYER: Abba Father, create within us a desire to be faithful disciples. Amen.