Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

As I write this reflection, we have been hearing about Saint Barnabas every day for the last week. A constant companion of Saint Paul, together they traveled around Asia Minor teaching, converting Gentiles to be Christ followers, being stoned together, and thrown into prison. Referred to as “beloved Barnabas,” he was present at the historical council in Jerusalem; he was called “Zeus” by the adoring crowds in Lystra; and, as we hear today, “he was a good man.”

It is worth going deeper to understand what the author of Acts intended in using this expression “good man.” His use of the Greek word agathos for “good” suggests an “intrinsic” quality or nature that comes from some inner source, not external. The author of Acts writes that Barnabas was “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith.” Paul wanted him by his side – in difficult situations, at the momentous council in Jerusalem, evangelizing with him in new and unknown towns and cities. He was full of joy to see grace at work in Antioch.

What the world needs right now is a few good men (and women). One who has reluctantly stepped forward to fulfill that role is Pope Leo XIV. While traveling in the midst of civil unrest and corrupt leaders in Africa recently, he preached the Gospel of peace and the dignity of human beings. In a world of dictators and autocrats, he has repeatedly called for diplomacy over aggression. He has spoken boldly for justice and respect for immigrants. He is set to release his first encyclical focused on artificial intelligence (AI), calling it a “critical challenge” for human dignity, justice, and labor. He is a “good man,” prayerful, humble, quiet, and deeply eucharistic.

May Pope Leo XIV be an inspiration and a model for all of us.

Let Us Pray:

We pray this day for the grace to be filled with the Holy Spirit and for a deep faith that we might be good men and women for others in our day-to-day lives.