Today is the Feast of Saint Barnabas, a man whose very name means “Son of Encouragement”. He was not one of the original twelve apostles of Christ, but he was actively involved in the life of the early Christian communities. Barnabas stands out because he excelled at something deeply human and desperately needed in our world today: he saw the good in people when everyone else gave up on them; he practiced gracious living.
In the liturgical readings today, we find a direct blueprint for how to live as authentic human beings in a fractured world. Today’s scriptures challenge us to embrace the beautiful reality of radical generosity, tolerance and reconciliation.
Give Without Cost
In the Gospel reading (Matthew 10:7-13), Jesus sends his disciples out into the world with a striking command: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” What a powerful statement from the Lord. As I was preparing to write this reflection, I had some quiet reflective moment, and tried to recall a lot of good things in my life that did not cost me anything. They are purely moments of grace. As you read this, also think about the things in your life that did not cost a dime but saved your spirit.
It could be a friend who listened without judgment when you broke down; a stranger’s smile when you felt completely invisible. It could be a friend who showed up to you when you really needed help. What about a neighbor or a church member who saw a life-changing opportunity and spoke to you about it or encouraged you to apply? Sometimes, you can experience a second chance from someone you let down. These good things come across freely. Are we to talk about the natural talents that we possess? How much did it cost you? Without cost you have received; give without cost.
Jesus is reminding us that grace is not a commodity to be hoarded or rationed. We have been loved, forgiven, and sustained entirely for free. Our job is to pass that grace along to someone else without looking for a receipt or demanding they earn it.
Looking Past the Rough Edges
This radical generosity of spirit is exactly why the early Church sent Barnabas to Antioch in the First Reading (Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3). The text notes that when he arrived, “he saw the grace of God and rejoiced.” Barnabas did not look at this new community of flawed, imperfect believers and see a list of rules they were breaking. He did not start with criticism. Rather, he chose to look for the good first. He saw the grace buried beneath their rough edges. And because he encouraged them, the Scripture tells us that “a large number of people was added to the Lord.”
Bringing Peace into the Room
Today, as you walk into your workplace, your kitchen, your boardroom or your neighborhood, remember the final instruction from the Gospel. “As you enter a house, wish it peace.” You have the power to dictate the temperature of the rooms you walk into. You can bring the friction of anxiety and judgment. Or, you can bring the unearned peace of Christ, just like Barnabas did.
