Jun 11 – Feast of St. Barnabas, apostle
St. Barnabas (martyred 61) founded the Church in Antioch. He was a Levite Jewish convert, coming to the faith soon after Pentecost. Barnabas is mentioned frequently in the Acts of the Apostles, and is included among the prophets and doctors at Antioch. Like Paul, Barnabas believed in the Church’s mission to Gentiles, and worked with him in Cyprus and Asia, but split with him over a non-theological matter. At the time of his death he was carrying a copy of the Gospel of Saint Matthew that he had copied by hand.
- Patron Saint Index
Act 11:21-26;13:1-3
Mt 5:17-19
…and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.
One of the gifts stemming from a heart and life of faith is the courage to be hopeful for one’s self and for others. It takes much more faith and will to remain courageous and encouraging as we grow older. As one’s life progresses, some hard knocks can really turn a lively soul inwards. Sometimes, it could be from one’s family of origin, upbringing, or simply adulting. There are so many factors which lead to some who seem to live generally joy-filled days and some who tread a tad more skeptical and cynical, or just a bit more cautious and sour than another. I say this without a pinch of criticism. As I, too, meander between both paths. So fret not, I am the last to judge. I am with you, and you, and you, in life’s somewhat slippery, gritty pit.
Some are clueless why they have wandered down this road, while others are merely struggling to fumble forwards… into a bit more joy, a bit more hope, a bit more courage. Nonetheless, all of us would do better with more encouragement from each other on our faith journeys and really, life in general!
This brings me to the Memorial of Saint Barnabas the Apostle. I knew little of St Barnabas until writing this, and now I have gratefully gained a model for myself of courage and encouragement. Formerly Joseph, he was christened Barnabas by the other Apostles to mean the ‘Son of Encouragement’. Imagine that! What a precious meaning. Barnabas was a deeply generous and fearless Cypriot Christian, who sold his property and placed its proceeds at the feet of the apostles (Acts 4:37).
In the first reading of Acts today, we read of the second remarkable deed of Barnabas. He was the one who shepherded the converted Saul to join the Apostles, even though they initially did not want to include him. Saint Paul was eventually accepted within the early Christian community and sent out on mission together with Barnabas and John Mark (Barnabas’ cousin). From this, we know that Barnabas was a courageous man who encouraged his brethren to the positive outlook of recruiting a converted persecutor, and pointed others towards holy hope. He did not let collective skepticism of St Paul weigh him down, but reached out and encouraged Paul to join the flock as well.
Barnabas’ obedience and courage set into motion God’s grand plan of salvation — the Holy Spirit proclaimed in their midst, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:3) This Work that they did as Apostles was not only proclaiming the Good News to the unbelievers at Antioch, but it was to also create a community of courageous encouragers — to go out and continue spreading Faith, Hope, Charity throughout the lands.
Our lessons from Barnabas’ life and actions are many. Let us reflect on where we can improve in our postures and strive harder to be a better cheerleader to our family and community.
- Grow in depth and vocabulary to be a better encourager: Some who have experienced a more prickly life may find their natural words tinged with sarcasm or cynicism. May we uplift each other in faith and avoid occasions of gossip or hurtful judgement.
- Bear joyful witness to the Gospel: Yes, there are hardships. No, we don’t need to fake it till we make it. May we use the phrase “and in spite of this, we have hope/joy/Jesus” more often, when we are tempted to stay stuck in our gritty ditches.
- Grow in our faith knowledge: Study and practise our faith in order to strengthen our souls and others. Celebrate the Sacraments faithfully even when we “don’t feel like it”, because there is meaningful fruit borne from discipline.
- Dialogue and Welcome: Learn to listen and speak with people who may not share our beliefs. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance to speak from a place of love and peace without undermining or compromising our Catholic beliefs.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Debbie L)
Pray: Come Holy Spirit, and infuse me with holy wisdom and joy to be a better encourager to my family and community. Help me learn new and powerful words of encouragement to build others up. If I lack in any way, help me first be filled with self-compassion and encouragement for myself. Heal the wounds in me, and the wounds in others that stop us from being better hope-bearers and Christ-bearers.
Thanksgiving: We thank you God, for the people in our lives who provide stewardship and examples of what it means to encourage and partake in others’ joys and successes. Thank you God, for role models of faith, courage, and obedience.
OXYGEN 
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