11/06/2026
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THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT | “Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Barnabas, one of the great missionaries of the early Church. Interestingly, Barnabas was not one of the original Twelve Apostles. Yet the Church honors him as an apostle because he dedicated his entire life to proclaiming Christ.
His name means “Son of Encouragement.” What a beautiful title! Imagine if people remembered us not for our wealth, position, or achievements, but because we encouraged others to become better persons and closer to God.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus sends His disciples out with a mission: “Go and proclaim that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”
Notice that Jesus does not tell them first to build structures, organize programs, or gain influence. He sends them to bring God’s presence and hope to people. And this is exactly what Barnabas did.
When many Christians were still suspicious of Saul (the future Saint Paul) Barnabas was the one who believed in him and introduced him to the Church. Without Barnabas, we might never have heard of Saint Paul.
Sometimes the greatest service we can render is not to stand in the spotlight, but to help another person shine.
Our world today desperately needs more Barnabases. Many people are discouraged. Young people are struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. Families carry heavy burdens. Many feel forgotten, rejected, or unloved. What they often need is not a lecture but encouragement. Not criticism but accompaniment. Not condemnation but hope.
A simple word can change a life. A teacher’s encouragement can inspire a student. A parent’s affirmation can strengthen a child. A friend’s support can keep someone from giving up. We should never underestimate the power of encouragement.
Jesus also tells His disciples: “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Everything we have is a gift from God, our faith, our talents, our opportunities, even our very life. Because we have freely received God’s blessings, we are called to share them generously.
Saint Barnabas understood this. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that he even sold his property and placed the proceeds at the service of the Church. He lived not for himself but for the Gospel.
Let me end with a simple story.
A young boy once came home from school feeling discouraged. He told his mother, “I don’t think I’m good at anything.”
His mother hugged him and said, “Son, whenever God wants to change the world, He starts with one person who believes in another person.”
Years later, that boy would say that those words changed his life.
My dear friends, we may never know how much good a kind word, a gesture of support, or an act of generosity can do.
Today, on the feast of Saint Barnabas, let us ask ourselves: Whom can I encourage? Whom can I help? Whom can I bring closer to Christ?
May we become like Barnabas, people who bring hope to the discouraged, courage to the fearful, and Christ to the world.”
— Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy
Maymay sa Magbalantay | 11 June 2026
