June 11, 2026 // Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3

Reflect on the Word // 

It happens every time we have dinner together. 

Before we’ve even ordered our drinks, he’s asked the server’s name and is building a rapport. He’s kind and curious and wears a collar, which usually gets people’s attention. Father is a natural Barnabas, a name meaning “son of encouragement.” Whether at a coffee shop, ministry event, or in the foyer after Mass, he is locked in on people. 

This interest is not feigned; Father’s heart has been formed after God’s fatherly heart. He recognizes the eternal and unrepeatable soul before him and genuinely delights in the unique gift of each one.

It’s easy to chalk something like that up to personality or temperament, and that certainly helps. But I know the attention he pays, the encouragement that flows so genuinely from his heart, is also a habit, a practiced disposition. He has learned to live in sync with the Holy Spirit and respond to His promptings—just like the Apostle we celebrate today, Saint Barnabas. 

He was originally named Joseph, but the disciples called him Barnabas (son of exhortation or consolation) because of his generosity. They sent him to Antioch where “he encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” And because of his powerful witness we know that “a large number of people was added to the Lord” (Acts 11:23–24). 

Before his radical joy won souls on the mission field with Saint Paul, Barnabas first built up the Church. He encouraged other believers. Like Barnabas, you and I shouldn’t reserve our kindness and curiosity only for strangers and servers, but must exercise them regularly with those we love. Our homes, parishes, schools, and workplaces are full of people wasting away for want of encouragement. 

The Holy Spirit is the great Consoler. He comes both to encourage your heart and to pour out consolation to others through you. Invite Him in today and ask Him for the grace to become a daughter of encouragement, especially to those closest to you.

Relate to the Lord // Practice looking for genuine ways to compliment or bless the people in your path today.