Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle
Matthew 10:7-13
Walk, serve, and give freely – paths of the true disciple

A true disciple of the Lord does not settle into comfort or sit still while the world suffers. Discipleship is not a leisurely stroll — it is a mission. Jesus sends His disciples out, and today He sends us too. He says, “Go!” Proclaim the Gospel, heal the sick, lift the broken, bring light to those in darkness. This is not optional. A disciple who does not walk, who does not go out to share the Good News, has misunderstood the very heart of Jesus.

But this journey has two paths: outward and inward. While we go out to serve, we must also go deep within. A disciple who doesn’t seek the Lord each day in silence, in prayer, in the Word, will offer others a watered-down Gospel. Our strength to serve must come from a heart anchored in God. Without this, we run the risk of becoming mere activists, not witnesses.

And what is the soul of this mission? Service. The Gospel reminds us that our walking is to heal, lift, cleanse, liberate. A Christian who does not serve the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, the forgotten, is not living the Gospel. Let’s ask ourselves honestly: whom am I serving? Where is Jesus in the flesh — hungry, wounded, imprisoned — in my life?

Finally, Jesus adds a word we must never forget: “Freely you have received, freely give” (Mt 10:8). This journey of faith is not for profit. Salvation is a pure gift — we did not earn it. And so we must give without expecting return: with no bags of gold, no second tunic, only the joy of the Spirit.

Three words: Walk. Serve. Freely. This is the path of Jesus. Let’s follow him with joy.
Amen.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025