June 11, 2023

2023 Proper 5 (but actually Barnabas)

I love the story of the woman who was healed by simply reaching out and touch the hem of Jesus’ robe. In that moment she embodies everything I hope to be as a Christian—a combination of humility and trust that gives me the courage to take a risk without worrying about the consequences.

I rarely succeed.

I have talked about how it’s so appropriate that I was ordained a priest on the Confession of Saint Peter. I take comfort in knowing that he could be such a dolt, and yet was effective. If God can accomplish good through Peter, there’s hope for me.

But perhaps you’ve been in conversation with me sometime around June 11, and know that I also aspire to a very different model of faith. Someone who, like the woman in today’s Gospel reading, responded to God’s grace with love and humility and courage.

That person is Barnabas.

And so I’m going to break protocol and talk about him today, instead. June 11 is his feast day and the birthday of a couple of people of whom I’m particularly fond!

Barnabas first appears in Acts as a faithful Jewish man from Cyprus who found the Good News of Jesus Christ so compelling that he sold his properties, gave his money to the community of believers in Jerusalem to be used for the poor and marginalized, and became a missionary. (So, like Abraham and Matthew in today’s readings, he responded to the call to “go” by going!)

His name was probably Joseph, but he was given the name Barnabas by the community of believers. It means “Son of Encouragement” and that tells us a lot about who he was and the impact he made on the people around him.

After Saul (also known as Paul) had his conversion experience on the Damascus Road, and eventually presented himself to the community of Jesus followers, it was Barnabas who stood up to those who didn’t trust Paul, who didn’t want to make room. Barnabas believed in second chances.

(Now I know some of you might prefer that Paul be kept silent, but that’s a debate for another day!)

They were sent out to carry the Good News throughout the Roman Empire. Together they pressed for full-inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, without requiring that they first become Jewish and follow Jewish religious requirements.

As their missionary work progressed, Paul began to be the more ‘famous’ one. The one who received all the accolades—and did most of the talking. So much so that when they were in one Greek town where the people thought they were gods walking in human form, they assumed Barnabas was Zeus and Paul Hermes, not because Barnabas seemed to be more powerful, but because Paul did all the talking!

As the stories continue in the book of Acts, the order of their names shifts from Barnabas and Paul to Paul and Barnabas.  Paul is taking center stage, and Barnabas is pushed to the role of supporting cast.

Did Barnabas resent this? Not as far as we can tell. His priority was sharing the gospel, and it didn’t matter so much who got the credit—because ultimately the credit goes to Jesus Christ.

Fast forward a few years. They have been joined on their missionary trips by a young man named John Mark. At some point in their journey they faced persecution, and John Mark left them. Well…’ran away’ is probably a better way to phrase it. But eventually he came back, and wanted to be given another chance. Barnabas was willing to welcome him, but…

Paul said no.

He said NO.

There are a lot of reasons people dislike Paul, and I am often willing to explain why their reasons are based on a misunderstanding of his writings. But on this one, I agree.

Paul was being a jerk.

I can hear Barnabas in my head, “Look, dude, I convinced people to give you another chance when YOU WERE THE PERSON PERSECUTING CHRISTIANS. I think the least you could do is cut this kid some slack!”?

The book of Acts tells us that “the disagreement became so sharp that they parted company.”

Barnabas took John Mark with him and went to Cyprus. Paul recruited Silas and went in the other direction.

As far as I can tell, they never saw each other again. According to tradition, Barnabas was martyred in Cyprus and is credited as the founder of the church there. There are writings attributed to him which were not included in the Biblical canon. I wonder what Christianity might be like if his voice had been included.

But even in this, I can find a blessing. They covered twice as much ground by going in different directions. Twice as many communities heard the Good News of Jesus Christ.

In today’s Gospel reading, when the religious leaders presume to judge Jesus for the company he keeps—tax collectors and sinners—he quotes the prophets to them. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

The story of Barnabas reminds me that sometimes, mercy is sacrifice. Being willing to let something go rather than engage in a futile argument. Being willing to give someone a second chance. Being willing to step back and let someone else get the credit.

Barnabas reminds me that what’s important is not the gold star on my saint chart, but the transformation someone experiences when I allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through me to make the love of Christ known.

Barnabas, like the woman in the Gospel reading, embodied the perfect balance of humility and courage. My prayer for all of you is that when the moment calls for it, you find your inner Barnabas and be a “Son of Encouragement” who chooses mercy.

Amen.