How participatory have we been in the apostolate of the church?-HOMILY FOR THE MEMORIAL OF ST BARNABAS , APOSTLE (JUNE 11)

ST. BARNABAS, APOSTLE (JUNE 11)

Dearest brothers and Sisters in Christ, today being the 11th of June, the church celebrates the memorial of St. Barnabas, apostle. A great personality whom though was not counted among the ‘Twelve’, had been exalted in the scripture as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24) and heightened by the church for the great missionary work he accomplished among the Gentiles. Barnabas, a Levite, and a native of Cyprus was first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, where he was originally called Joseph and surnamed Barnabas which means ‘son of consolation or encouragement: one who comforts, strengthens and shows concern to his brothers and sisters (Acts 4:36). This was evident in the sale of his field, in which he charitably laid the money at the feet of the Apostles (Acts 4:36) and the manner he also acquainted the neo-convert Paul with the apostolic community (Acts 9:27) and ministered to the church in Antioch where the followers of Christ were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). Consequently, he was counted among the prophets and teachers in the Church of Antioch (Acts13:1). It was he alongside Paul, that the Holy Spirit declared to be set apart for the work which He had called them (Acts 13:3). 

Barnabas was very instrumental in the council of Jerusalem towards the resolutions of the controversy that erupted in the early Christian community between the Judeo-Christians and the Gentile Christians on matters of Hebrew rites and Christian faith (Acts 15). With genuine zeal and apostolic courage, Barnabas remained a great companion to Paul on the missionary journey that brought the faith to the Gentile world. He was with Paul both in the success story e.g. Lystra and Antioch, and also in the persecution and sorrowful moments of their ministry as they were being rejected in Pisidia and Iconium (Acts13 &14). Despite these negativities, he remained fervent in the proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of God. 

Dearest friends in Christ, summarily we celebrate today an apostle of extraordinary virtues, a model of charity and kindness, an intercessor and helper at moments of despair, a reconciler and peacemaker, a problem solver, and an ardent preacher of the values of the Gospel of Christ come rain come shine. Beloved in Christ, the feast of today guides us to have a re-examination of our Christian life, underscoring how participatory we have been in the apostolate of the church sequel to our varied states of life e g priests, religious, lay faithful etc. It reminds us that as Christians we are ministers of the Gospel of Christ to the utmost bounds of the world. Remember, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring the goodness. May God continually keep you in his peace and love.

Have a pleasant day!

Fr Remi osj