Saint Barnabas was an early Christian apostle, a Levite from Cyprus originally named Joseph, whom the apostles called Barnabas, meaning 'son of encouragement.' The Acts of the Apostles tells how he sold a field and laid the money at the apostles' feet, vouched for the newly converted Paul in Jerusalem, and later traveled with Paul on his first missionary journey. He is honored as the founder of the Church in Cyprus, where tradition holds he was martyred at Salamis.
Barnabas shows us the quiet power of encouragement — he believed in Paul when others were afraid, and he gave generously without needing recognition. His example invites us to lift others up, to trust that God works through kindness, and to accompany those who grieve or struggle with a steady, generous heart.
Saint Barnabas, son of encouragement, teach us to give freely and to strengthen the weary with gentle words. Pray for us, and for all we love, that we may bring comfort wherever we go. Amen.