FEAST OF ST. BARNABAS, APOSTLE.
THIS Levite of Cyprus bore the name of Joses, until those who were Apostles before him renamed him Barnabas; by interpretation, the Son of Consolation.
His first recorded deed is one of Christian liberality: having land, he sold it, and laid the money at the Apostles' feet.
Afterwards he introduced St. Paul to the mistrustful Church, and vouched for him.
He rejoiced over the conversion of many in Antioch, exhorting them to steadfastness.
He labored and suffered among the Jews: he labored and suffered among the Gentiles.
Thus far Holy Writ. Tradition completes his history by martyrdom in his native island of Cyprus.
First and last his career shines and glows with love. For the way of love is that path of the just which is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
"Lord, . . . how can we know the way? Jesus saith, . . . I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
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