Wednesday 11 June 2025. Readings: Acts 11:21-26,13:1-3, Ps. 98:1-6, Matthew 5:17-19
“When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” (Acts 11:23-24)
Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Barnabas. What we know about him is to be found in the New Testament. A Jew born in Cyprus named Joseph sold his property and gave the proceeds to the Apostles, who called him Barnabas (Acts 4:36). He lived in common with the earliest converts to Christianity in Jerusalem.
The name Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” This name became a prophecy of Barnabas’ life. Barnabas, through his unwavering belief in Paul’s potential, persuaded the early Christian community to accept Paul as a disciple and played a pivotal role in shaping Paul’s future as a successful preacher.
In Acts 9:26-28, we read: “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how, on the road, he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how, at Damascus, he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So, Saul went in and out among them at Jerusalem.”
When the church sent Barnabas to minister to the new converts at Antioch, Barnabas went to Tarsus to bring Paul, giving him a platform to exercise his potential. Barnabas is the reason Paul became such a successful preacher. No matter how good we are, we all need people like Barnabas who coach (encourage) us into the stars we are meant to be.
While others were scared of Paul because they judged him as a bad person who had later become a Christian, Barnabas saw in Paul a good man with a bad past. Let us learn from Barnabas to be less judgmental of people while encouraging them to let their light shine. Even the worst sinners have some degree of light in them.
Barnabas mentored Paul and later became his partner when the Holy Spirit set them apart on a mission to evangelise the world. As we read in today’s first reading: “While they (Christians in Antioch) were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’” (Acts 13:2).
During this mission, Barnabas allowed Paul to become the chief speaker. (cf. Acts 14:8-12). Jesus wants us to let our shine; however, this does not mean we should outshine others or engage in unhealthy rivalry. Let us learn from Barnabas to be humble and avoid unhealthy rivalry, but to let our light shine in a way that glorifies God.
Tradition records that Barnabas preached in Alexandria and Rome, that he founded the Cypriote Church, and that he was stoned to death at Salamis about the year 61. As we remember St. Barnabas today, we must ask: “When last did I attempt to preach the Gospel or seek to convert those going astray?”
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns against the tendency to relax some of God's commandments. Do you have the habit of selecting which commandment to obey and which to ignore, and then you say, “God will understand”? It is time to repent. Jesus said, “Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, always make me conscious of my true identity and act accordingly. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Barnabas, Apostle. Liturgical Colour: Red. Bible Study: Acts 11:21-26,13:1-3, Ps. 98:1-6, Matthew 5:17-19.)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu