RBWords

     That seemingly unimportant line from today's first scripture is actually a very historic moment in Christian history!!  Barnabas should be declared the patron saint of personnel recruiters!  He had been sent by the group in Jerusalem who had heard that the faith was spreading and that Antioch had a kind of new "hub" for believers. "Saul," [who would come to be known as "Paul"] had been converted some time before and had preached briefly in Jerusalem but had to leave because of threats on his life.  Barnabas had the good sense to realize that with the spread of the faith to Antioch, he had need of a partner in the missionary task.  So, as quoted above, he went looking for Saul!  The Antioch community then participated in another important moment - they responded to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and commissioned Barnabas and Saul and "sent them off."  The rest, as we say, is history!!!

     Having a good partner in a task can be a wonderful experience, especially in preaching.  I just completed a retreat for Dominican sisters and my partner in that preaching was a wonderful Dominican sister, a friend of mine for many years.  I had recommended her to the coordinator of the retreat.  Her presence made all the difference in the world.  I know of other preachers who have great "partners" in that ministry, and I have preached with other great partners, especially Dominican sisters, over the years.  Saul and Barnabas formed one of the great preaching partnerships in Christian history.  A shared faith and purpose can be a tremendous source of evangelical power.  If our own American church could overcome the individualism that cripples the spread of the gospel, we could see more "partnerships" in preaching in local congregations.  We may smile uneasily when we see those pairs of Mormon missionaries on bicycles in white shirts and ties, but do we ever ask ourselves why WE aren't doing that?  Maybe that's the question Barnabas has to offer us today!  AMEN