Several years ago, there were reports in the media of random acts of kindness, where donors would give a stranger a coffee, some warm clothing or a gifting of money, without any prompting. When asked why they would make such a spontaneous and generous act, the response was often that they had received such a kindness from someone they didn’t know and they wanted to pass it on or as it became more commonly known, ‘pay it forward.’

In the Gospel reading, Jesus is giving instructions to the Twelve apostles before sending them out on Mission. He insists that in proclaiming the good news, curing the sick, raising the dead, cleansing lepers and casting our demons they are not to receive payment because they have been beneficiaries of God’s grace, and their task is to pass it forward.

Today we celebrate the memorial of St Barnabas, who, while not one of the ‘Twelve’ is ranked as an apostle, because he was ‘sent’ by the Church in Jerusalem to Antioch. ‘He was a good man full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.’ (Acts 11:24) He then went to Tarsus and found Saul (St Paul) and brought him to back to Antioch before accompanying him on many of his missionary journeys. The name ‘Barnabas’ means ‘son of encouragement’ (Acts 4:36) and points to the generous spirit of this follower of Jesus who gave to others what he had received from the Lord without seeking payment.

May we seek opportunities to pass forward the great and free gift of knowing that we are loved by God through random acts of kindness that bring joy and comfort to those in need.  

By Mike Humphrys