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Friends of the Rosary,
Today, June 11, we celebrate the memorial day of St. Barnabas.
Though not one of the 12 apostles chosen by the Lord Jesus, he is traditionally regarded as one of the 72 disciples of Christ. He was responsible for welcoming St. Paul into the Church.
St. Barnabas was born to wealthy Jewish parents on the Greek-speaking island of Cyprus, probably around Christ’s birth. He studied at the school of Gamaliel (who also taught St. Paul). Later on, when Christ’s public ministry began, Barnabas may have been among those who heard him preach in person. At some point, either during Christ’s ministry or after his death and resurrection, Barnabas decided to commit himself most radically to the teachings he had received. He sold the large estate he had inherited, contributed the proceeds entirely to the Church, and joined Christ’s other apostles in holding all of their possessions in common.
Both Paul and Barnabas received a calling from God to become the “Apostles of the Gentiles,” preaching and suffering persecution and hardships for the sake of establishing Christianity among those of a non-Jewish background.
The reference to the “laying-on of hands” in Acts, chapter 13, suggests that Paul and Barnabas may have been consecrated as bishops on this occasion.
Barnabas was stoned to death by a mob in Cyprus around the year 62. St. Luke described Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith (Acts 6:24).” He was known for his exceptional kindliness, personal sanctity, and openness to pagans.
Ave Maria!
Jesus, I Trust In You!
Come, Holy Spirit, come!
To Jesus through Mary!
+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York
