Readings: Acts 11:21-26,13:1-3, Ps. 98:1-6. Matthew 5:20-26
“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 in Antioch, Barnabas went to Tarsus to bring Paul along, 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 to avoid unhealthy rivalry, while letting 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?”
Today’s Gospel passage continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, wherein He teaches us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Jesus told us: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). However, in the course of this same sermon, we would hear Jesus say: “Beware of practising your piety before men to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1). Now, how do we reconcile both statements?
It is one thing to let your light shine, but it is a different thing to pretend to attract the praise and admiration of others. When we truly let our light shine, we do it for God, but when we pretend to be pious, we do it just for ourselves and receive no reward from God. Today, we hear Jesus teaching us that we can never enter heaven unless our righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees.
What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? It is practising piety to gain the admiration of people; pretending to be who you are not just to give the impression of holiness – it is, in the words of Jesus, “like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.” (Matthew 23:27-28) This kind of righteousness is very popular among many Christians today, and Jesus warns us that unless our righteousness goes beyond this, we can never enter heaven.
Let us pray: O God, who decreed that Saint Barnabas, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, should be set apart to convert the nations, grant that the gospel of Christ, which he strenuously preached, may be faithfully proclaimed by word and by deed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one 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 5:20-26)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu