Voice: Shivdas
Today is Thursday, 11th of June. It is also the Feast of St Barnabas. Take a moment to be still in His presence.
We read Psalm 101
I will sing of steadfast love and justice;
to you, O Lord, I will make music.
2 I will ponder the way that is blameless.
Oh when will you come to me?
I will walk with integrity of heart
within my house;
3 I will not set before my eyes
anything that is worthless.
I hate the work of those who fall away;
it shall not cling to me.
4 A perverse heart shall be far from me;
I will know nothing of evil.
5 Whoever slanders his neighbor secretly
I will destroy.
Whoever has a haughty look and an arrogant heart
I will not endure.
6 I will look with favor on the faithful in the land,
that they may dwell with me;
he who walks in the way that is blameless
shall minister to me.
7 No one who practices deceit
shall dwell in my house;
no one who utters lies
shall continue before my eyes.
8 Morning by morning I will destroy
all the wicked in the land,
cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the Lord.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.
The Scripture Reading is Acts 4:32-37
32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Reflection
Though Barnabas was not one of the twelve apostles, he stands out as a significant early disciple of Christ. Born into a wealthy Jewish family on the island of Cyprus, he chose to use his resources for the kingdom. As we read in Acts, he once sold a piece of land and gave the proceeds to the church to help those in need.
Later, Barnabas became an active participant in the early Church’s mission, often traveling with the apostle Paul on his missionary journeys. Though he was not always in the spotlight, his role was vital. He is best remembered as an encourager — someone who lifted others up, made space for them to flourish, and generously gave of his time, resources, and gifts.
The Church has always needed leaders — popes, bishops, clergy, and pastors — but alongside them are countless others like Barnabas, who quietly and faithfully support the work of the Church. They are the steady hands, the generous givers, the voices of encouragement behind the scenes.
Have you considered how your gifts might bring encouragement to others?
There are those called to lead from the front. But even the boldest leaders often draw strength from those who stand behind them, praying, supporting, giving, and believing in them. Do you know someone who needs courage today? Could your words, your presence, or your generosity help lift their burden?
Take a moment to pray and ask God:
How can I be an encourager today?
Whom can I support?
What can I give?
Like Barnabas, your role may not always be centre stage — but it can be eternally significant.
Collect of the Day
Grant, O God,
that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas,
who, seeking not his own renown but the wellbeing of your Church,
gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor
and the spread of the Gospel;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever. Amen.
Be blessed by this version of Servant Song, by Kathryn Crosweller.
Will you let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant, too.
We are pilgrims on a journey,
We are trav’lers on the road;
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night-time of your fear;
I will hold my hand out to you,
Speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping;
When you laugh I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
‘Til we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven
We shall find such harmony,
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.
Link to today’s Morning Office
About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen. Unless otherwise stated, the reflections are written by Revd Wong.
Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.
For feedback, please write to us at info@mpcc.org.sg. We also welcome donations to MPCC. Information on how you may give can be found in this link.
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