(Listen to this homily here).
St. Barnabas was known for being a man of encouragement—his very
name is “son of encouragement.”
Acts records: “When [Barnabas]
arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain
faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with
the Holy Spirit and faith.”
Each
of us has a basic human need of affirmation. We appreciate when we are complimented, built up or
affirmed.
On
the other hand, do we use our words to build others up? Do you
affirm your wife? Children? Coworker? Or do your words pick away, tear down or hurt?
One
of the wisest pieces of formation I received in seminary was from one of my
priest mentors who always said, “Learn to see the good in the other.” I am an analytical person and I find it
much easier to notice flaws, weaknesses or failures. It can be more challenging to see the good in the person
that bugs you! I don’t think I am
alone in this and learning to be men and women of encouragement requires
learning to see the good in others.
Following
the example of St. Barnabas, let’s encourage and affirm the people God has put
in our life. May we have the grace
to see the good—the inherent dignity—of our brothers and sisters today.
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