In today’s first reading, Acts 11: 21b-26, 13: 1-3, we are
given the story of Barnabas who was sent to Antioch. It is amazing to witness
his approach to the people. “When he
arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged…[the people] to
remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled
with the Holy Spirit and faith.”
You and I, like Barnabas, whose name means “son of
encouragement,” are also good people,
filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. May
we, like him, see the grace of God at work in those with whom we live and work
and pray. Like him, may we be a source of encouragement for one another,
looking for the good in each person and affirming that good.
When was the last time you recognized God at work in another
person? When was the last time you spoke words of encouragement to another
person? Let it be today, also! Seek the good. Affirm it wherever you find it,
especially in children!
