Every great and successful team finds a way for each member to play their role enthusiastically and effectively. No football team would ever win if every player insisted on playing quarterback. No stage production of West Side Story would make it to opening night if every actress demanded the role of Maria. While each person aspires for greatness in their particular role, it’s impossible for everyone to take center stage. 

It’s people like St. Barnabas who remind us of the power of playing the role of a supporting character. We hear his name mentioned each year, primarily during the readings from Acts of the Apostles, but he’s almost always playing second fiddle to St. Paul. Yet if you look closely, Barnabas appears at some of the most critical moments of the early Church. And we celebrate his feast day on June 11.

Barnabas sold everything and joined the Apostles shortly after Pentecost. He vouched for Paul’s conversion, helped establish the Church in Antioch and participated in the first Council of Jerusalem. Barnabas traveled with Paul, brought the Gospel to Cyprus and, eventually, tradition holds that he was a martyr for the faith. Without question, Barnabas played a pivotal role in building the early Church by his Spirit-filled actions and by living up to the meaning of his name as a “son of encouragement.”

If St. Paul’s exemplary life of faith might seem out of reach for us today, I propose we draw inspiration from the witness of St. Barnabas. His faithfulness, generosity, courage, perseverance and missionary zeal should encourage us to ask the Lord in what ways we are called to exercise these same virtues. Allow Barnabas to inspire you to joyfully embrace your role in the building of the kingdom because, as he did with Barnabas, Jesus chooses, empowers and sustains you.

Although it is difficult not to compare ourselves to others and wish we had their calling, influence or recognition, know that the Lord delights in the hidden, small, faithful, yet radical ways we say yes to him. Barnabas wasn’t concerned about his status; he simply wanted to serve Jesus and his Church, and now we venerate him as a saint. Let’s all commit to joyfully fulfilling our role for the Gospel and cheering on our brothers and sisters who are doing the same, since as a recent sports movie reminded me, “when you score, we all score!” 

Pete Burak is the vice president of Renewal Ministries. He has a master’s degree in theology, and is a frequent speaker at events for youth and young adults.