Acts of the Apostles 11:19-26
The first reading today from the Acts of the Apostles draws attention to the "son of consolation." Barnabas, considered to one of the Twelve by some or as one of the seventy-two disciples by others, was a strong preacher of the life and gospel of Jesus Christ. He linked with St. Paul and the two great preachers work among the Greeks and other Gentiles in the area of Antioch. Barnabas is recognized as a man who brought many to the Christian faith. Apparently Barnabas is responsible for bringing the convert, Paul, to the fullness of his ministry in serving the Christian community in Antioch. It is clear from Acts and other historic documents that the Church would be somewhat different were it not for the thrust of Barnabas in his preaching as he traveled my roads bring Jesus Christ to so many people. With Paul, Barnabas endured much persecution for his efforts to spread the gospels.
Barnabas is a model to us today because like him, if we ourselves become alive with the life of Jesus Christ and his ministry and teachings, we can draw others to Christ and the Church. Barnabas was a man whose life exemplified his beliefs. The saint whose feast day will be commemorated on June 11th is a marvelous model for men and women today in a world that needs to know Christ Jesus. The photo above speaks of an invitation to travel, to walk a path. Barnabas, along with Paul and Acts author, St. Luke, to walk the path of Jesus Christ.
Barnabas is a model to us today because like him, if we ourselves become alive with the life of Jesus Christ and his ministry and teachings, we can draw others to Christ and the Church. Barnabas was a man whose life exemplified his beliefs. The saint whose feast day will be commemorated on June 11th is a marvelous model for men and women today in a world that needs to know Christ Jesus. The photo above speaks of an invitation to travel, to walk a path. Barnabas, along with Paul and Acts author, St. Luke, to walk the path of Jesus Christ.
