Spirit Filled Activist

They sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith.

Acts 11:22-24

Barnabas is sent to Antioch by the Apostles to check on reports of Greeks converting to The Way, not just Jews. Barnabas recognises God's hand at work and he encourages the local Church to continue their outreach. 

Barnabas is pivotal in the growth of the early Church. Known as the "Son of Encouragement", his spirit-filled goodness and faith gave his credentials.

The Holy Spirit seems to resonate within some people. We've all met them, those ones whose faith and love radiate a heat you can almost feel. Age doesn't seem any barrier to this spirit-filled activism. They can be young or old. I want to be one of them,  a "good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith."

Come Holy Spirit, rise up within me so I can be a son of encouragement to those I meet today.

Saint Philip Neri, please pray for us.