Saint Barnabas

"It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you [The Jews] first, but since you reject it and condemn yourselves as unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles."
- Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas, Acts 13:46

Today is the feast day of Saint Barnabas. Barnabas was born in Cyprus, and was originally named Joseph. He was of the Jewish faith, but converted to Christianity. He sold all his property and gave the proceeds to the apostles once he converted. This action prompted the apostles to give him the name of 'Barnabas' meaning "son of consolation". After his conversion, he lived in common with some of the earliest converts to Christianity in Jerusalem. Though he was not one of the twelve apostles, Barnabas is ranked close beside them. Barnabas is also known to have introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles, while continuing to serve as a mediator between Paul and the Jewish Christians who were still suspicious of Paul. Barnabas and Paul were sent on many different missionary trips together to places such as, Antioch, Lystra, and Cyprus. Paul and Barnabas did go their separate ways, however, because of a dispute over Saint Mark or John Mark, Barnabas's cousin. Barnabas, Paul, and Mark were later reconciled though. 

Saint Barnabas, pray for us!

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Picture Of and Information About Saint Barnabas Taken From:

http://www.stbarnabasborrego.org/images/BarnabsIcons/St_Barnabas_Icon.htm

http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saintofday/

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=211

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02300a.htm