Son of Encouragement

June 11 is the Feast Day of St. Barnabas. He was one of the first teachers in Antioch, where the disciples were first called Christians. Originally named Joseph, he was given the new name of Barnabas which means ‘son of encouragement’ or son of consolation’, when he sold his land in Cyprus to give to the apostles in Jerusalem.

“News about them (the Christians in Antioch) reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. When he 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) There was so much to be done in Antioch, that he went in search of Paul who was living in obscurity in Tarsus, to labor with him. They preached and taught there for a whole year, made many converts of the Gentiles in many parts of Asia Minor among other places, before returning to Jerusalem. That was the start of a new chapter in Paul’s missionary journey. 

Wouldn't it be great for us to be all like St. Barnabas, to be an encouragers, life-givers, to strengthen the church, reminding our brothers and sisters in our parishes, communities, churches, to be true and faithful and steadfast to the teachings of God? How wonderful if at the end of our lives, someone would stand and say this about us!