Today Anne O’Brien (Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Mission, People and Culture for St Agnes’ Catholic Parish) reads from the Gospel of Matthew (10: 7-13) in which Jesus sends out his apostles saying, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’”. Afterwards, Anne shares a little about St Barnabas, whose memorial we celebrate today.

Anne says St Barnabas was one of the earliest converts to Christianity and is recognised as an apostle even though he was not one of the original twelve. He played a vital role in the spread of Christianity in the first century, especially among the gentiles.

Barnabas is best known as the missionary companion of St Paul. He introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem and later accompanied him on missionary journeys. His actions helped to bridge the gap between Jewish and gentile Christians, contributing to the universality of the church.

The name Barnabas means son of encouragement. He was known for his kindness, his support of new believers, and his generosity, having sold his property to help the early Christian community. He is often held as a model for Christians to follow in our own lives, especially in terms of charity, hospitality and missionary zeal.

Although not one of the original twelve, Barnabas was considered an apostle by the early church because of his holiness, his witness to the resurrection, and his evangelizing efforts. Honouring his feast day reinforces our recognition of those who spread the Gospel with apostolic authority.

The feast of St Barnabas is a chance for us to reflect on the missionary nature of our church and their role in evangelization. It is also an opportunity to pray for missionaries and those who are persecuted for their faith. The feast of St Barnabas is the celebration of an important early figure in Church history who exemplified encouragement, inclusion and missionary effort – values that are still central to our identity today.

In closing Anne invites us to finish with a prayer to St Barnabas:

O glorious St Barnabas, apostle of Christ and son of encouragement, you were a faithful servant of the Lord, generous in heart and strong in faith and bold in preaching the Gospel.

You welcomed the outcast, supported the weak, and brought unity where there was division. Pray for us that we, too, may be instruments of peace, encouragers of the weary, and bearers of the Good News.

 

Help us to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you did and to follow Christ with joy and courage. Intercede for missionaries that their work may bear fruit and light to the world, through Christ our Lord, Amen.