Today is the feast of St. Barnabas ( son of encouragement) – he is not only remembered for his missionary zeal but for his openness as well. For he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith (Acts 11:21-26;13:1-3). While others were scared of Paul because they judged him as a bad person who later became a Christian, Barnabas saw in Paul a good man who had a bad past. And, Barnabas and St. Paul undertook missionary journeys together and defended Gentile converts against a faction which insisted on circumcision.
No matter how good we are, we all need people like Barnabas who encourage us into the stars we are meant to be. May we always recognize the goodness in other people. The spirituality of the Gospel is outreaching. We have not only to be disciples of Christ but also need to proclaim Him. Let us ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith so that like St. Barnabas, we too may be instruments for the great work that God wants us to do. Happy 35th Priestly anniversary Fr John M Lubega
