Saint Joseph Barsabas

Biography

Saint Joseph Barsabas, also known as Barsabbas, Joseph Basassas, Joseph Justus, Joseph of Barsabas, Joseph the Just, or Justus, was a disciple of Jesus and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the candidates to fill the position of the twelfth Apostle, which became vacant following the betrayal and death of Judas Iscariot. While not ultimately chosen as the twelfth Apostle, Saint Joseph Barsabas played a significant role in the early Christian community and contributed to spreading the message of Jesus Christ. His life is a testament to dedication, faith, and perseverance. Saint Joseph Barsabas is often represented in iconography as a child holding stones, symbolizing his strong foundation in the faith. This representation signifies his unwavering commitment to his beliefs as a follower of Christ. Additionally, he is sometimes depicted as a child holding loaves of bread, representing his role in providing spiritual nourishment to the early Church. The image of a child blowing bubbles is also associated with him, symbolizing the transient nature of life and the importance of cherishing the moments of joy and innocence. Little is known about Saint Joseph Barsabas's personal life and background. It is believed that he was born in the first century, but the exact years of his birth and death are not recorded. He lived during a time when the Christian community was still emerging, and the early disciples of Jesus were spreading his teachings throughout the world. Saint Joseph Barsabas's moment of prominence came when the remaining eleven apostles sought to fill the vacancy left by Judas Iscariot. Two candidates were considered, Barsabas and Matthias. Following prayer and divine inspiration, the decision was made through the casting of lots, and Matthias was chosen. This event is recorded in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Although Saint Joseph Barsabas was not chosen to be an apostle, he continued to play an active role in the early Christian community. He dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel and fulfilling the teachings of Jesus Christ. His devotion and commitment to the faith served as an inspiration to his fellow believers. Little else is known about Saint Joseph Barsabas's later life and ministry. It is believed that he continued to spread the Good News of Christ throughout his life, witnessing to the transformative power of Jesus' message. He remained loyal to the Church and exemplified the virtues of humility, faith, and service. Saint Joseph Barsabas's feast day is celebrated on July 20th, as recorded in some early calendars of saints. While he was not canonized in the traditional sense since the process of canonization was not established during his lifetime, he is recognized as a saint in the Pre-Congregation era of the Catholic Church. Though Saint Joseph Barsabas is not specifically associated with a particular patronage, his life serves as a reminder of the value of faithfulness, commitment, and discipleship. His story encourages all believers to embrace their role in spreading the Gospel, even if their path differs from what they initially expected. Overall, Saint Joseph Barsabas's life represents the power of the early Christian community and the important contributions made by individuals who may not have occupied the highest positions within the Church hierarchy. His example teaches us that every member of the body of Christ has a vital role to play in continuing the mission of Jesus and building the Kingdom of God on earth.