Barnabas

"...and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." — Acts 11:22-23 (NIV) 

Photo by Stefan Kunze on Unsplash

Dear brothers and sisters,

We've already met Barnabas. He was the one who helped Saul to be accepted by the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 9:22-28). Barnabas was not even a member of the twelve apostles or the seven deacons elected by the church. However, he was an active, capable and trusted servant. You don't need a title or position to serve God and His congregation.

When the prophet Agabus foretold that there would be a great famine, the congregation gathered  something together to donate to the church in Judea (v. 29). This is very interesting. When they knew there was going to be a famine, they did not gather food for themselves only, but also to donate. How worthy it is to bear the name "Christian"(v. 26), which means followers of Christ. They care about other congregations more than their own lives.

The church will develop if all parties take part and are willing to sacrifice for the life of the church. We cooperate with God. God is working, blessing and empowering (v. 21). We see that not only God works but human agency is also important. There are congregations whose job is to provide spiritual guidance, others to organize social welfare. Whoever we are, God wants us to do something for the Church with all our hearts, strength, and mind. If God asks us to be His instruments, will we do it?

 

 

Reflection on Acts 11:19-30 by Fr. Fransiskus Diaz, SVD.

(Listen to the Podcast here)