This is the beginning of the first missionary journey for Barnabas and Saul. From Antioch they go to Seleucia which is on the coast of the Mediterranean and from there they sail to the island of Cyprus. Arriving at Salamis on the east coast, they travel across the island to the west, all the way to Paphos. Why did they choose this path? I am certain that the Holy Spirit was guiding them in their journey as they prayed to him for direction. Also, we can see the commitment to spread the Gospel systematically across the region as they make their way through. Am I committed to spread the Gospel?
It is worth noting that what we call missionary journey for Barnabas and Saul is really a trip to the surrounding regions of Antioch and not so much a voyage to the unknown places of the world where language and cultural training was required. The Church began its outreach to the areas that were at its reach first. The Church took responsibility for missions. Am I committed to share the Gospel in a systematic way in our region? Am I willing to view missions as going to the surrounding regions of the church and not just going "overseas?"
Barnabas and Saul began their missionary journey doing what they knew how to do. They proclaimed the good news of the Gospel to the Jews in their synagogues. How did they react to opposition? Here we have the example of Bar-Jesus or Elymas. He was a magician - remember that magicians are not illusionists; they are more like spiritists. He also opposed the preaching of Paul trying to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus, who was seeking to hear the Gospel, away from the faith. Paul confronted the man and brought a curse upon him to be blinded for a time. He accused him of "making crooked the straight paths of the Lord." This confrontation brought Sergius Paulus to believe the Word of God.
As I attempt to proclaim the good news of the Gospel, I will encounter opposition to the spread of the Word of God. It is important to identify the things that hinder the preaching of the Gospel and address them head on. In Paul's case it was a confrontation of powers, the Gospel vs Elymas' magic. Paul brings a curse upon him to demonstrate that magic is no match for the power of the Gospel. What are the things that oppose the Gospel in my neighborhood? How can I confront and disarm them? Am I truly committed to see the Word of God spread no matter the cost?
Father, guide me to share the good news of the Gospel with those who need it. Fill me with your Spirit to confront the obstacles and false teachings that stand in my way to communicate the Gospel. Fill me with joy as I share the abundant life of the kingdom. Amen.
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