Saint Barnabas

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Saint Barnabas

Beloved by the great Saint Paul, with whom he worked for twelve years, Saint Barnabas is honored by the Sacred Liturgy as an Apostle, although not one of the original Twelve. As a convert, his first act was to sell his possessions and give the process to the Apostles for the support of the Christian community. His efforts for the spread of the faith were exerted in Asia Minor and in the Island of Cyprus, where, at Salamis, he was martyred by being stoned to death. In the prayer that was traditionally prayed on his feast day, the Church prayed that God would grant us His blessings as a gift of His grace. Because we, as sinners, cannot really merit or deserve anything from God, it follows that he wills to give us is the result of His great mercy, is His own free gift, and is the fruit of the outpouring of His love. God’s love and friendship are of such overwhelming value that nothing else in the world can compare! Through the intercession of Saint Barnabas, a man and an Apostles who lived and died so that others might obtain the love of God, may we all manifest in our lives a true love for God and for all His holy people. May God grant us a sharing in the zeal and fire and love that filled the heart of Saint Barnabas. Amen