Fr John's final Reflection
This month we remember St Barnabas, whose real name was Joseph, a wealthy Levite from Cyprus. However, he was better known by his nickname which means ‘Son of Encouragement’ (Acts 4:36).
Throughout Acts we see him encouraging others in different ways. Barnabas was an example of generous giving (Acts 4:36-7), when he sold property and offered the money to the church for those in need. In the midst of a caring and sharing community, he was
singled out as a symbol of generosity. Are we known as somebody who is generous to those in need around us?
Barnabas later encouraged a new Christian in the person of Paul (Acts 9:27). After Paul’s conversion and knowing his reputation, Barnabas came alongside him and brought him into the fellowship of the church. Are we ready to help those who are new in the faith to find a place in our church?
Finally, Barnabas was sent to the church in Antioch where he ‘saw the evidence of the grace of God’ (Acts 11:23). It was a church which brought Jewish and Gentile believers together for the first time. Like Barnabas, do we rejoice when we see God doing new things in people’s lives? Are we also willing to embrace these things and facilitate change?
Encouragement is one of the spiritual gifts in the New Testament (Romans 12:8). It can be greatly undervalued, but is crucial in growing the church. Like Barnabas, will we nurture gifting; strengthen the doubters and those tempted to give up; show generosity to God’s people and beyond the church; alongside strengthening people to move beyond their own comfort zones to help those in need? Let’s be prepared to ask the following questions: ‘Are there people alongside us who will encourage us?’ and ‘How can we be encouragers to others?’
God bless,
Fr John