Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest

Today’s feast of St. Barnabas, the companion of St. Paul in his missionary journeys, invites us to appreciate and pray for those who collaborate in the mission of the Church. While we know very little about his life (his name means “son of encouragement”), we can imagine him as a faithful and loyal companion ready to assist his leader and friend, St. Paul, and most likely had encouraged or consoled Paul in the midst of persecution and trial.

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St. Barnabas, thus, encourages us to collaborate with others, to labor with others, even if we prefer to do things alone, or are wary of possible conflicts or disagreements that come with working with others. The mutual support and encouragement that we receive from our fellow workers is of great value in the furtherance of our mission. We are called to synodality, to walk together with others in mission.

First Reading