St. Barnabas

Born in Cyprus, Barnabas, originally named Joseph, embraced the teachings of Jesus Christ and became a pillar of the early Church.

Barnabas’s life was characterized by his selfless dedication to spreading the Gospel and nurturing the faith of believers. His story intertwines with that of the Apostle Paul, with whom he shared a close bond. It was Barnabas who first welcomed Paul into the Christian community after his conversion, recognizing his potential as a dynamic evangelist. Together, they embarked on several missionary journeys, preaching the Good News and establishing Christian communities across the ancient world.

Barnabas’s generosity and encouragement were exemplified in his relationship with the newly converted Saul of Tarsus. Despite skepticism from others who doubted Saul’s sincerity, Barnabas stood by him, offering support and validation. He played a pivotal role in integrating Saul into the Christian community, fostering his growth as an apostle and leader. This act of encouragement not only transformed Saul into the influential figure of Saint Paul but also epitomized Barnabas’s role as a “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36).

Lessons

• Lesson 1: Encouragement and Support: Barnabas’s willingness to extend a hand of encouragement to Saul teaches us the importance of supporting and uplifting others in their faith journey. His example reminds us of the transformative power of affirmation and validation in nurturing the spiritual growth and potential of fellow believers.
• Lesson 2: Missionary Zeal and Evangelization: Barnabas’s missionary endeavors alongside Saint Paul illustrate the urgency and zeal with which we are called to share the Gospel. His tireless efforts to spread the Good News serve as a reminder of our own responsibility to proclaim the message of salvation and build up the body of Christ.

Prayer

O Saint Barnabas, son of encouragement and fearless herald of the Gospel, intercede for us before the throne of God. Inspire us with your zeal for evangelization, that we may boldly proclaim the Good News and build up the Church. Help us to be instruments of encouragement and support to our brothers and sisters in faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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image: Attributed to Juan Martín Cabezalero, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons