St. Barnabas "was a good man filled with the Holy Spirit and faith" (Acts 11:24). The Lord called him to live his faith in high-risk situations.
We first hear of Barnabas (at that time named Joseph) selling his farm and laying the proceeds at the apostles' feet (Acts 4:36-37). If you did such a thing, would you be taking a risk? What if the Church did not provide for you? What if you lost everything?
Barnabas' next great act of faith was his courage in accepting the newly converted Saul, a former killer of Christians. Barnabas was the only disciple in Jerusalem not afraid of Saul (Acts 9:26-27). Many thought it likely that Saul's conversion was only a ploy to kill more Christians (see Acts 9:26). Yet Barnabas, by faith, took the risk.
Next, we hear of Barnabas being chosen by the church of Jerusalem to discern the authenticity of Gentiles in Antioch being converted to the Lord. Barnabas "rejoiced to see the evidence of God's favor. He encouraged them all to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord" (Acts 11:23). This was an extremely controversial discernment, and Barnabas would later be severely persecuted for this discernment (see Acts 13:46, 50).
Barnabas later led the first Christian missionary journey (Acts 13:2ff). He could have easily been killed. He was risking his life again and walking by faith.
Are you a man or woman of faith? Are you risking accordingly?
| PRAYER: | Father, make me free, fearless, unmanipulated, and unintimidated. |
| PROMISE: | "No one shall snatch [My sheep] out of My hand." –Jn 10:28 |
| PRAISE: | St. Damien gave dignity, the Eucharist, and ultimately, his life to those lepers he served on the island of Moloka'i. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College