Recognition and encouragement

By Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain
Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

Last Sunday, the Queen’s Birthday Honours list was released. My interest is always piqued by those who receive recognition. The Governor-General David Hurley states that recipients are characterised by their “selflessness, excellence and a commitment to service.” Aside from the somewhat expected recipients from the fields of politics and sport, it is great to see recognition of those who work tirelessly in their capacity to make the lives of others better.

For instance, it is wonderful that this year’s list acknowledges many health experts and workers, after the challenge of the last two years. Personally, the recipients that I enjoy reading about and take encouragement from are the lesser-known stories of ‘everyday’ people who strive to make a difference. Nevertheless, what is distinctive about all recipients is that someone has recognised that each individual has given something of themselves.

Interestingly, last Saturday is the day in the Church calendar that recognises St Barnabas. There is some symmetry in the fact that recognition of St Barnabas also falls on the same weekend as the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Barnabas is a favoured biblical figure who is well known for his encouragement, support and generosity. By modern standards, you could describe him as a philanthropist, as he gave away his property to support the early church. He was certainly popular in the early church and is recorded in Acts 11.24 as being “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith”. When Paul, a persecutor of the early Church, converted to Christianity, Barnabas introduced him to the Apostles, and convinced the Apostles to accept Paul as a disciple. As we know, Paul would become instrumental in his contribution to the Church and his letters are canon in the Bible.

Aside from the many good things Barnabas did for the early Christian movement, it appears he understood the need to look out for those who had little, bringing famine-relief to Jerusalem in a time when local authorities did not look after those they led. I feel there is little doubt that if he was alive today, Barnabas would be among those who receive recognition in the Queen’s Honours.

Prayer for St Barnabas' Day

Bountiful God, giver of all gifts,
who poured your Spirit upon your servant Barnabas
and gave him grace to encourage others:
help us, by his example,
to be generous in our judgements
and unselfish in our service;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord;
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen

May the stories of Barnabas be an encouragement to you.
Chaplain Andy

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