In the early days of the Church, when mistrust and fear could easily have divided the faithful, Barnabas emerged as a beacon of hope and trust in God’s transformative power. The story of Barnabas standing by Saul, later known as Paul, exemplifies a heart anchored in faith, unshaken by the judgments or actions of others. Similarly, Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael reveals a divine patience and love that transcends human prejudice. Both Barnabas and Jesus demonstrate a profound truth: to be instruments of God’s love, we must trust in His plan for others and remain unaffected by their reactions, allowing His grace to work through us.

Barnabas: A Model of Trust in God’s Transformative Love

When Saul, the notorious persecutor of Christians, experienced his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, the early Church was understandably concerned. His reputation as a zealous opponent preceded him, and the elders in Jerusalem hesitated to accept his transformation. Yet, Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” stepped forward as an advocate. As recorded in Acts 9:26-27, “When he [Saul] had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord.”

Barnabas’ confidence was not rooted in Saul’s past but in the power of Christ to change hearts. He believed in the goodness within human nature, capable of responding to God’s love. This trust mirrors the wisdom of St. Augustine, who taught that God’s grace can transform even the most hardened heart, a truth verified in his own conversion from a life of sin to one of sanctity. Barnabas did not allow the skepticism of others or Saul’s past to deter him. Instead, he became a bridge, facilitating Paul’s acceptance and enabling his ministry, which would shape the early Church.

At times, we too face situations where the actions or reputations of others discourage us from extending help or standing in their defense. Their reactions may wound us, tempting us to abandon our desire to serve. Yet, Barnabas’ example challenges us to persevere, trusting that God’s love can redeem and restore. His faith in Christ’s ability to transform lives reminds us that we are called to be instruments of that same love, unwavering in our mission.

Jesus and Nathanael: Seeing Beyond Human Prejudice

A parallel example shines through in Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael, as recounted in John 1:45-51. When Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus, Nathanael responded with skepticism: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). His bias against those from Nazareth could have created a barrier, yet Jesus did not allow this to affect His approach. Instead, He greeted Nathanael with warmth, saying, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47). Jesus further revealed His divine insight: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48). This intimate knowledge moved Nathanael to proclaim, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God!” (John 1:49).

Jesus’ response to Nathanael reflects a heart unswayed by human prejudice. He saw Nathanael’s potential, knowing that God had a plan for him. By inviting Nathanael into a personal encounter, Jesus became the instrument through which God’s purpose for him was realized. This echoes the teaching of St. John Chrysostom, who emphasized that Christ’s love overlooks human failings to draw souls to their divine destiny. Had Jesus been deterred by Nathanael’s initial reaction, the transformative encounter might never have occurred. Instead, Jesus’ trust in God’s plan allowed Him to guide Nathanael to faith.

Called to Be Instruments of God’s Love

The examples of Barnabas and Jesus compel us to reflect on our own calling. When we seek to do good, the reactions of others—whether skepticism, rejection, or hostility—can discourage us. Yet, Scripture reminds us of our role: “For we are God’s coworkers, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Like Barnabas and Jesus, we are chosen to be instruments of God’s love, entrusted with the mission to bring His plans to fruition in the lives of others.

To fulfill this calling, we must anchor ourselves in trust—trust in God’s love, which is “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5), and trust in His plan for those we serve. St. Teresa of Ávila, whose writings emphasize the importance of being Christ’s hands and feet, reminds us that God works through us to accomplish His will. We cannot allow the actions or reactions of others to derail us from this purpose. Instead, we must remain steadfast, convinced that God has chosen us to be vessels of His grace.

Barnabas and Jesus teach us that being an instrument of God’s love requires resilience and faith. Barnabas stood by Saul, trusting in Christ’s power to transform. Jesus embraced Nathanael, seeing beyond his prejudice to the plan God had for him. Their examples inspire us to rise above the discouragements we face, to trust in God’s love, and to believe in the potential for redemption in every heart. As we strive to be God’s instruments, let us hold fast to the promise of Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope.’” By trusting in this promise, we can become channels of God’s love, leading others to the great plans He has for them.