HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY AFTER THE PENTECOST — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: Saint Barnabas: A True Encourager
BY: Fr Deotacious Chikontwe SMA
Acts 11:21-26,13:1-3, Ps. 98:1-6, Matthew 5:17-19
INTRODUCTION
My dear friends in Christ,
Today, we celebrate Saint Barnabas. He’s often a forgotten hero of the early Church, but his life teaches us so much about being a follower of Jesus, being generous, and truly listening to what God wants us to do. Even though he wasn’t one of Jesus’s first twelve disciples, the Church calls him an Apostle because his work was so important in spreading the good news of Jesus beyond Jerusalem.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF WEDNESDAY AFTER THE PENTECOST
Barnabas was originally named Joseph. He was from Cyprus and was a Levite (a Jewish priestly helper). But the other apostles saw something special in him and gave him a new name: Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” What a perfect name! In a world that can be full of doubt, sadness, and division, the Church really needs people who encourage others. Barnabas lived up to this name from the very beginning.
FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
We first hear about him in the Bible, in the book of Acts. It says he “sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet” (Acts 4:37). This wasn’t just giving to charity; it was a huge act of trust in God and in the new Christian community. It showed he had truly changed his heart.
He understood that earthly things don’t last, and real treasure is found in helping build God’s Kingdom. How often do we hold onto our things, our comfort, or our security, instead of trusting God to provide when we offer ourselves and our resources for His glory? Barnabas reminds us that being a true follower of Jesus often means letting go of worldly things and holding tightly to Christ and His Church.
WHY WAS HE CALLED THE SON OF ENCOURAGEMENT?
Barnabas’s encouragement wasn’t just about money. Perhaps his greatest act of encouragement was when he stood up for Saul of Tarsus. Imagine this: Saul was famous for persecuting Christians. Then, he met the Risen Jesus on the road to Damascus and started preaching the very faith he used to try and destroy.
The Christians in Jerusalem were understandably scared and suspicious of him. They didn’t trust him. It was Barnabas, the “Son of Encouragement,” who took Saul by the hand, introduced him to the apostles, and told them that Saul had truly changed (Acts 9:27).
Without Barnabas’s brave support, Paul (Saul’s new name) might never have started his amazing work as an apostle.
This act shows us a very important part of being a Christian: being willing to look past someone’s past mistakes, to see God working in unexpected ways, and to reach out and welcome those who are trying to follow Christ.
Are we willing to be a Barnabas to others? To see the good in them, to encourage them in their faith journey, even when others might be unsure or critical? Do we build bridges or put up walls?
HE WAS A COMPANION OF PAUL IN HIS MISSIONARY WORKS
Later, Barnabas and Paul went on their first missionary journey, sharing the good news of Jesus in Cyprus and Asia Minor. Barnabas, who was older and had been a bridge-builder, now became a pioneer.
He was willing to step out of his comfort zone and face difficulties and persecution, all for the sake of the Gospel. He understood that Christ’s mission is huge; it goes beyond familiar places and includes all people.
WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE SAINT BARNABAS ?
Barnabas’s life teaches us the lasting power of humility, generosity, and encouragement. He wasn’t always in the spotlight, but his quiet strength and strong faith were vital in shaping the early Church. He reminds us that every kind act, every positive word, every supportive gesture given in Jesus’s name, has eternal meaning.
CONCLUSION
As we celebrate Saint Barnabas today, let’s think about our own lives. Are we “sons and daughters of encouragement” in our families, at work, in our communities, and in our Church? Are we generous with our money, our time, and our skills, freely offering them to help build God’s Kingdom? Are we willing to take risks for the Gospel, to step out in faith, and share the good news with those around us?
May the example of Saint Barnabas inspire us to be tools of God’s grace, to encourage each other in faith, to be generous in love, and to boldly share the saving message of Jesus Christ with a world that desperately needs hope.
Saint Barnabas, Son of Encouragement, pray for us!
Amen.
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>>>