St. Barnabas: Son of Encouragement – Jun 11 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jun 11, 2025, where he emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophets, with St. Barnabas inspiring us to live and share God's commandments faithfully.

Father reflects on Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:17, where He declares, "I have come not to abolish but to fulfill" the law and the prophets, emphasizing that Christ is the culmination of God's plan to prepare His people for the Messiah, Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." Through the apostles, guided by the Holy Spirit, Christians are directed to observe God's commandments, which remain the anchor of our spirituality, as noted in Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 1965 (CCC 1965), while certain Jewish ritual practices, such as dietary laws, are no longer binding. Father underscores the challenge of proclaiming these commandments in a world that may respond with hostility, encouraging steadfast faith as seen in Acts 4:36-37, where St. Barnabas exemplifies generosity by selling his property for the Church. Honoring St. Barnabas on his feast day, Father highlights his role as the "son of encouragement," mentoring St. Mark despite disagreements with St. Paul, as described in Acts 15:36-39, and preaching in Cyprus, Antioch, and beyond. Barnabas' martyrdom in Salamis, Cyprus, reflects his ultimate witness to Christ. Father urges us to emulate Barnabas' generosity, detachment, and encouragement, living our Catholic faith joyfully, as CCC 2013 calls us to grow in holiness through charity and mission.

For Further Reading
Matthew 5:17 - NAB - Jesus Fulfills the Law - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/5?17
Acts 4:36-37 - NAB - Barnabas' Generosity to Apostles - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/4?36
Acts 15:36-39 - NAB - Barnabas and Paul Disagree - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/15?36
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1965 - The New Law of Christ - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a1.htm#1965
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2013 - Growth in Holiness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c3a2.htm#2013
Catechism of the Catholic Church #782 - Characteristics of God's People - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/782.htm
Catholic Encyclopedia - St. Barnabas Biography - https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02300a.htm
Franciscan Media - Profile of St. Barnabas - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-barnabas

00:00 – Opening Prayer
00:15 – Jesus Fulfills Law
01:03 – Apostles Guide Observance
01:37 – Ritual Practices Fulfilled
02:17 – Commandments Anchor Faith
03:17 – Honoring St. Barnabas
04:03 – Barnabas Mentors Mark
06:18 – Barnabas’ Martyrdom

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Barnabas the Apostle - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=211
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061125.cfm
1st: act 11:21-26; 12:1-3
Resp: psa 98:1-6
Gsp: mat 10:7-13

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1089

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