Memorial of St.
Barnabas, apostle
(Acts 11:21b-26.13:1-3; Matthew 5:17-19)
St. Barnabas may not be on any short list of patron saints
for religion teachers, but he consummately fills the role. We might call him the prototypical catechist
given that, besides Jesus, he seems to be the first teacher mentioned in the
New Testament.
In the Acts of the Apostles Barnabas teaches by example as
well as by words. In fact, his giving
the total proceeds of the sale of his property to the community of disciples in
Jerusalem has eloquently taught Christians generosity and commitment throughout
the centuries. Today’s reading from Acts
testifies how the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas from teaching to preaching as an
apostle.
All of us can imitate Barnabas. We need to be generous with our belongings, caring
of others in order to teach, and bold enough to proclaim Jesus in public. It is
a tall order, but having been endowed with the Holy Spirit, we can do it.
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