We see the missionary activity of the early Church in the infancy stages of its formation in our celebration today! After Pentecost, the Apostles indeed did start to go out "to the ends of the earth" to proclaim the gospel: "The Kingdom of heaven is at hand;" they cured the sick, they raised the dead, they cleansed lepers and drove out demons! They trusted in the Lord who sent them to provide for their material needs so that they could accomplish his work. Among them was Barnabas – not one of the original 12, but an Apostle none the less because of his association with Paul and the others.
Barnabas (whose name originally was Joseph) was born in Cyprus. But he was a member of the faithful Christian community of Jerusalem. He was present at the first Council of Jerusalem. He also was a companion of Paul on his first missionary journey. In fact, he brought Paul to Antioch, and remained with him there for a year while they instructed and met with the local Church. It was in Antioch, during this time, that the community was first known as "Christians." He later returned to his own country and was martyred there.
Barnabas was known as the "son of encouragement" most likely because of his pleasant disposition. He was, therefore, an asset to spreading the faith among people whose dispositions were sour for many reasons – mostly because their lives lacked depth of meaning and true joy!
The early Church – and even the Church of today – is meant to be a sign of joy, hope and peace in a world that so desperately needs these things -because the worldly, secular, materialistic environment in which we live can so easily drown them out!
May the Church today – standing on the shoulders of the blood of the martyrs be a true sign in the world that from death comes life; from darkness comes light; from hatred comes love!
The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power! May our nation benefit from his saving power, rather than an irrational belief that we can save ourselves by our own power!
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