Daily Catholic Lectio
Wed, 11 June 2025
Saint Barnabas – Memorial
Acts 11:21-26. 13:1-3. Matthew 5:17-19
Son of Consolation
“Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.” (Acts 13:2)
Today, we commemorate Saint Barnabas, Apostle and close collaborator of Paul. He was known among the Apostles as the “Son of Consolation” or “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36). He sold a piece of land he owned and brought the proceeds to the Apostles (Acts 4:37). It was Barnabas who first introduced Paul to the rest of the disciples. He was a man who spoke words of comfort and encouragement to persecuted Christian communities. The Holy Spirit declared, “Set apart Barnabas (and Paul) for the work I have called them to.” This “setting apart” signifies consecration, recognition, and dedication to a particular mission. God revealed to them their life’s purpose. Those set apart for what is higher must not descend to embrace what is lesser.
“The followers of Christ are endowed with a particular dignity through baptism” (Lumen Gentium, 40). The laity too are called and set apart for a specific mission (Christifideles Laici, 15). The identity of the ordained as those set apart for sacred ministry is affirmed in Presbyterorum Ordinis (2). Being “set apart” is not for personal privilege or the wielding of authority, nor does it mean isolating oneself. Rather, it is about being wholly offered to God. One who is set apart must not hide; rather, he must bear witness before others.
All of us are seekers of our life’s purpose. Unlike Barnabas and Paul, most of us do not receive a direct revelation from the Holy Spirit. We often find ourselves groping in the dark, unsure and afraid, asking, “Is this it? Or that?” Until our vocation is made clear, it is good that we give one another encouragement and consolation.
Our world today floods us with anxiety and discouragement. Like Barnabas, we need sons and daughters of consolation. We often search for them in politics, in entertainment, or in sports—and sadly, we sometimes fall prey to false comforts. But within our families, communities, and the Church, it is our sacred responsibility to strengthen and comfort one another.
As Paul writes, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation. He consoles us in all our afflictions so that we may console those in any trouble with the consolation we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4)
Fr Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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