HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF ST. BARNABAS, MARTYR
THEME: BARNABAS: BEACON OF FAITH
BY: FR. GERALD M. MUSA
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY JUNE 11 2022
Barnabas (Son of encouragement) “Was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts of the Apostles 11:24). He was among those who sold their property and submitted the proceeds to the early Church, detaching himself from the attraction of gold, silver, copper, and materialism (Acts of the Apostles 4:37; John 10:9). Barnabas was among the first converts in Jerusalem and was sent to preach in Antioch. He responded with faith and went to Antioch and there he encouraged the people to be steadfast in their faith. He brought Paul to Antioch where they taught and deepened the faith of the followers of Christ for one year. It was “In Antioch, the disciples were for the first time called Christians” (Acts of the Apostles 11:26). Barnabas accompanied Paul in his first missionary journey and having worked well together, they became models of collaboration in pastoral ministry. Through their exemplary life, missionary activities, team spirit, and zeal “A great many were added to the Lord” (Acts of the Apostles 11:24). Barnabas endured many hardships and died for the sake of the Gospel. We learn from Barnabas that the most effective method of preaching is to live an exemplary life. How does our manner of life attract others to Christ? How well do we bear witness to Christ and imitate the missionary spirit of Barnabas?
Acts of the Apostles 11:21b-26; 13:1-3; Matthew 10:7-13; 11th June Feast of St. Barnabas, Martyr