A Good Man

“When Barnabas arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.” Acts 11:23-24

June 11 is the Feast Day of St. Barnabas. He was one of the first teachers in Antioch.

Originally named Joseph, he was given the new name Barnabas, when he sold his land in Cyprus to give to the apostles in Jerusalem. There was so much to be done in Antioch, that he asked Paul to labor with him. They preached and taught there for a whole year before returning to Jerusalem. Together they made many converts of Gentiles in many parts of Asia Minor among many other places.

St. Luke, in the Book of Acts, speaks of him as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. Wouldn't it be great if we were all like St. Barnabas? He was an encourager, and life-giver. We too can strengthen and build up the church by reminding our brothers and sisters in our parishes, communities, churches, to be true and faithful and steadfast to the teachings of God. 

Another thing we can admire St. Barnabas for is how he supported St. Paul. At first Paul was not readily accepted by the Christian community because of course they were wary of him as their fierce enemy. But Barnabas was one of the few who recognized Paul’s conversion as genuine and this paved the way for Paul to evangelize and become one of the greatest Christian missionaries. At the start, Barnabas was the leader and Paul his partner, but Barnabas was such a good mentor, the student soon surpassed him in zeal and passion. 

May we be as nurturing, encouraging, humble and generous as Barnabas! Jesus’ Church needs more brothers and sisters like him during these perilous, confusing times!