This year, two distinct Prayer Book observances fall on the eleventh of June, the Wednesday after Pentecost. Today is an Ember Wednesday and the feast of St. Barnabas. The Ember Days are days of prayer and fasting that occur four times a year on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Whatever their ancient origin, they have become associated with ordinations and prayers for the ministry. Especially in Pentecost week, we sense a relationship between the work of the Holy Spirit and the call of ordained ministers and all Christians to witness to Christ. So on these Ember Days, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will call and inspire both the ordained ministry and all believers in lives of service to Christ and His Gospel.
St Barnabas was not one of the Twelve, but Scripture (Acts 14:14) and the Books of Common Prayer call Barnabas an apostle. Barnabas is mentioned numerous times in the Acts of the Apostles and in the letters of St. Paul. In Acts 4:36, Barnabas is identified as a Levite from Cyprus named Joseph. His added name Barnabas is interpreted to mean "son of consolation." He and Paul the Apostle joined in missionary journeys among Jews and Gentiles. They participated in the Council of Jerusalem (ca. 50 AD) and defended the mission among the Gentiles. So on this day, we give thanks for the contribution and example of St. Barnabas. May we also be faithful witnesses who help spread the consolation of Christ's Gospel!
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