SAINT BARNABAS, APOSTLE (MEMORIAL)

He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. 

Barnabas isn’t exactly a household name, but he was among the most influential apostles in the early Church. As we learn in today’s reading, he helped build up one of the first Christian communities outside of Jerusalem, in Antioch. He accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey, traveling to Cyprus and modern-day Turkey (Acts 13:4). Then, at the council in Jerusalem, he stood up for the Gentile converts (15:12).

How did he do it all? Certainly, Barnabas was a “good man,” as our reading tells us. But he was also “filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 11:24). Building the kingdom of God took more than just a desire to do good and to work hard. Barnabas needed the power of the Spirit, and he needed to learn how to be led by the Spirit.

How did he do that? The events of Acts 13 can give us some insight:

Barnabas prayed. He knew his own wisdom was not enough. So along with the other elders in Antioch, Barnabas prayed and fasted, and the Holy Spirit showed them how he wanted them to build the kingdom (Acts 13:1-2).

He listened. During the elders’ prayer, the Holy Spirit made clear that Barnabas and Saul should be set apart for missionary work (Acts 13:2). That might not have been Barnabas’ plan, but he was open to what God was saying.

He acted. Once he sensed this message from God, Barnabas, along with Saul, got on a boat and began a missionary journey that lasted more than a year (Acts 13:4).

We can use these three steps to learn how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. Start with prayer, and ask him to guide you throughout your day. If you have a particular concern, ask him what to do. Next, listen. The Spirit will speak to you as you pray. Pay attention to any inspiration, especially something that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. Then let the Holy Spirit move you to act on what you have heard. Like Barnabas, you can deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit and build the kingdom of God.

“St. Barnabas, pray for us!”

Acts 11:21-26: 13:1-3
Psalm 98:1-6
Matthew 5:33-37