Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Plans for Summer Holidays and
Plans for Daily Holiness

St. Barnabas isn’t just some guy from 2000 years ago. Odessan Episcopalians wanted to imitate¹ his self-sacrificial acts. An apostolic (i.e., sent) Church, like Barnabas (Acts 11:22), must be willing to give freely² in serving.

So, don’t get connived into vacationing from the Lord of love.

Some Episcopalians have travel-plans. A small group of Barnaby’s friends will get this newsletter after an Alaskan Cruise!! The non-traveling Barnaby-folk wish the travelers good times of refreshment and peace.³

While traveling on missionary journeys, our parton saint took Sabbath days of refreshement. But he didn’t break from his life’s purpose—to follow Christ. While away, he prayed and read Scriptures. He even gathered with others both to break bread and to worship Jesus.

Free in Christ, he freely chose his suffering master. Sometimes, Barnabas traveled to places where he suffered. ⁴

And you can choose Christ in your leisure. You might choose a day away from sight-seeing to read a great Christian book. You might plan two hours to visit a church and make new Christ-like friends. And, for Jesus’ sake, put your wallet into your prayers of thanksgiving for your St. Barnabas family. (Yes, I mean, don’t forget to pay your pledge!)

With Barnabas, choose following the loving Christ—even in leisure. Vacation with the Lord of Love.

In Christ,
David Mossbarger +

¹See Barnabas’ companion Paul’s words in I Cor. 4:9-17 especially vs. 16. ² Matthew 10:8—We’ll read this on St. Barnabas Day, which will transfer from June 11^th to Sunday June 12^th. ³ BCP, p. 825 ⁴ In Perga, Pamphylia (now Perge, Turkey), the leaders stirred up persecution against Barnabas and his companions [Acts 13:13, 50]. Later they went back [14:25].

Currently Reading
Acts of the Apostles (Anchor Bible) By JOSEPH A. FITZMYER