Daily Reflection, June 11, 2026

Reflection:

We learn from Acts 11 that Barnabas, the son of encouragement, was a builder of community and a person of remarkable insight, in that he knew when he, himself, needed help. I am sure we have all had a time when, if we had asked for help, we might have made a wiser decision. We need to be humble enough to recognise when we need help and Barnabas reveals this quality in his search for Paul and in the work they did as partners in mission in Antioch before being missioned to move on for the next adventure in Cyprus.

The task of the missionary is clear, they go and build and then they need to be ready for new assignments, even if their instinct may be to remain!  We as disciples are called to build communities who look to the Lord, not to ourselves, in the belief that the Holy Spirit is the guide. Barnabas and Paul were always on the move, building and letting go.

And the Gospel today underlines this as it invites the disciples to travel lightly, showing they are not to amass goods but instead entrust themselves to the care of the community they are serving. How often, when we are planning to travel, do we take this advice? Are we more likely to take the extra, just in case?!

Maybe the question to ask ourselves today is, what prevents me from travelling light? Do I use possessions as a comfort or a protection from vulnerability? Maybe we always think the answer is in the next book that is recommended! I pray we will all trust the wisdom of the Spirit so that in our preparation, we do not edit the Spirit out by overthinking and over-planning!

Sr. Brigid Murphy CP, Sisters of the Cross & Passion, Melbourne