Today, we celebrate the apostle Joseph, “also named by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated “son of encouragement”)” (Acts 4:36). He was generous from the beginning: he “sold a piece of property that he owned, then brought the money and put it at the feet of the apostles” (Acts 4:37). He brought St. Paul to the Apostles, who were afraid of him and, with Paul, they opened the apostolate to all peoples. First, in Antioch: “When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord” (Acts 11:23-24). His apostolic zeal was an example, as he was putting into practice the Master's commandment: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Mt 10:7).

The Holy Spirit proclaimed: “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them” (Acts 13:2). They went to Cyprus and Asia Minor, and suffered greatly for their Lord. They had differences of opinion and even parted because of Mark, who quit half of the way, and Paul did not accept him on their next journey; but Barnabas knew how to trust Mark and, later on, we will see him as a great collaborator of Peter and Paul.

Let us learn not to classify people into boxes, for “souls, like good wine, improve with time” (St. Josemaria Escrivá), when we support them with our confidence and we love them, for “nobody can be really known unless we love him” (St. Augustine).

When we see somebody weakening or retreating, let us persevere just as Barnabas did, whose namesake also means “brave man”, and “he who encourages and enthuses”. These are characteristics very much in need of today. This is why we turn to the Lord with the words of the Collect prayer: “God our Father, you filled St. Barnabas with faith and the Holy Spirit and sent him to convert the nations. Help us to proclaim the Gospel by word and deed.”