June 11 2025 - St. Barnabas, apostle - Holy Encouragement

 After Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death, Christian believers faced intense persecution in Jerusalem. Many fled Jerusalem and sought refuge in other cities. One of those cities was Antioch, one of the largest cities in the first-century Roman world, accommodating a population in between 100,000 and 300,000. .The persecuted Christians from Jerusalem preached the Gospel among the Jews in Antioch and made many converts.

In our first reading, we heard how a man named Barnabas was sent by the apostles to Antioch to help organize the Church there. And when he arrived he rejoiced to find the faith alive and well. 

He encouraged the Christians there to remain faithful to the Lord and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, and through him a large number of people were added to the Lord.  

Who was this man named Barnabas, and why was he sent? Barnabas was a levite Jew originally from Cyprus.  He had settled in Jerusalem and was one of the first to embrace Christianity there after the Lord’s Resurrection.  The book of Acts tells us that Barnabas sold his field and gave the money to the Apostles for the Church’s needs.  

He is numbered among the apostles, because he was sent to organize and oversee—a ministry continued by our present day bishops.

From Antioch, Barnabas and Paul embarked on a missionary journey, Paul’s first of three. Barnabas completed the missionary journey with Paul and was present at the Council of Jerusalem, but after around the year 49 we lose track of him.

Nevertheless, Barnabas allowed the grace of God to transform him into a great, holy, and effective laborer for the Gospel

The name Barnabas means “son of encouragement” . Many souls came to follow Jesus through Barnabas’ encouragement.  We are all called to be a Barnabas aren’t we?  Every one of us is called to encourage—to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ io remain faithful to the Lord in times of doubt, to encourage the ignorant to learn their faith more deeply, to encourage the fallen away back to the Lord.

Encouragement changes lives—encouragement to go to confession, to become more active in a parish group or to attend daily mass, the encouragement to pray the rosary, or to consider a religious vocation, to trust in the Lord when their crosses become heavy. Do not be afraid to give encouragement. For through it we work for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 

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As we honor St. Barnabas, let us present our prayers to the Father, asking for the grace to be faithful and encouraging disciples of Christ.

For the Church, especially her bishops and pastors: That, like St. Barnabas, they may be filled with the Holy Spirit and faith, joyfully strengthening the people of God and guiding them in truth.

For all who preach the Gospel, especially missionaries: That they may be courageous and effective in their proclamation of the Good News, bearing much fruit for the Kingdom.

For vocations to the priesthood and religious life: That many may be inspired by encouragement to follow the call of Christ wholeheartedly.

For the sick and the suffering, the poor and afflicted, and those who are discouraged, doubting, or spiritually weary: That they may be uplifted by the grace of God and by the support of loving Christian companions.

For the faithful departed, especially those who labored for the Gospel: That they may rejoice forever in the presence of the Lord.

Father, you raised up St. Barnabas to strengthen your Church and encourage the hearts of your people. Hear our prayers and help us, by your grace, to build up the Body of Christ in our time. Through Christ our Lord.