Saint Barnabas the Apostle
“Joseph,” a Levite, born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called
Barnabas (son of encouragement), sold a field he owned, brought the money, and
turned it over to the apostles." (Acts 4:36f). This is the first mention
we have of Barnabas. His new name fits what we know of his actions. When Saul
(or Paul) came to Jerusalem after his conversion, most of the Christians there
wanted nothing to do with him. They had known him as a persecutor and an enemy
of the Church. But Barnabas was willing to give him a second chance. He looked
him up, spoke with him, and brought him to see the other Christians, vouching
for him. Later, Paul and Barnabas went on a missionary journey together, taking
Mark with them. Part way, Mark turned back and went home. When Paul and
Barnabas were about to set out on another such journey, Barnabas proposed to
take Mark along, and Paul was against it, saying that Mark had shown himself
undependable. Barnabas wanted to give Mark a second chance, and so he and Mark
went off on one journey, while Paul took Silas and went on another. Apparently
Mark responded well to the trust given him by the "son of
encouragement," since we find that Paul later speaks of him as a valuable
assistant (2 Tim 4:11; see also Col 4:10 and Phil 24).*
We add our prayers for the clergy and people of St. Barnabas
in Lafayette.
The Collect:
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your
faithful servant Barnabas, who, seeking not his own renown but the wellbeing
of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the
poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
