Today we celebrate the memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle. St. Barnabas, born Joseph, was a Jew from the island of Cyprus and a member of the priestly tribe of Levi. After embracing the Christian faith in Jerusalem shortly after Pentecost, he became known for his remarkable generosity and spiritual devotion. One of his earliest recorded acts as a Christian was selling his property and donating the proceeds to the early Church, earning him the name “Barnabas,” meaning “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37). Scripture describes him as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24), admired for his openness, kindness, and trust in God’s work in others. Barnabas played a pivotal role in introducing Saul—later known as St. Paul—to the Christian community in Jerusalem following his dramatic conversion. His willingness to vouch for Paul helped open the door for Paul’s mission and leadership. Barnabas later traveled with Paul and John Mark on missionary journeys, preaching in places like Antioch, Cyprus, and Asia Minor. He was instrumental in the formation of one of the first predominantly Gentile Christian communities and became a key advocate for including non-Jews in the Church without requiring strict adherence to Jewish laws. Barnabas also took part in the Council of Jerusalem, where he supported the decision to welcome Gentile converts without imposing the full burden of Mosaic law. Although he eventually separated from Paul over a disagreement regarding John Mark, Barnabas continued to evangelize, with tradition holding that he returned to Cyprus, where he was eventually martyred around 61 AD. His legacy endures as a model of encouragement, generosity, and bridge-building within the Church, earning him recognition as an Apostle and patron of peacemaking, missionary work, and inclusive evangelization. St. Barnabas, pray for us! Sources: EWTN #jubilee2025 #pilgrimsofhope #radiochiedza #givingthechurchavoice https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDgbnVKwqSZ4f11ip41