Saint Barnabas

Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Barnabas.  Born in Cyprus, Barnabas is numbered among the first of the faithful of Jerusalem.  He preached the Gospel at Antioch and, as a companion of Saint Paul, accompanied him on his first journey.  He was also present at the Council of Jerusalem.  Upon returning to his own country, he continued to spread the gospel and eventually died there.

Today, we celebrate the funeral liturgy for Elizabeth Singbush, a long-time parishioner who has finally returned home.  This should be a wonderful celebration of faith, and a reminder to all of the faith we have been gifted with.  How fitting that it also happens on the eve of Pentecost.

And as it happens, we also will celebrate a wedding today: a joyous celebration of faith for Brian Wood and Amelia Thompson.  They and their families will be here in a few hours' time to witness the joyful exchange of their wedding vows.

I wonder if Barnabas and Paul knew what they were starting when they traveled throughout the land, spreading this Good News.