Today we remember and give
thanks for Robert Barnes, Confessor and Martyr.
Remembered as a devoted disciple
of Martin Luther, Robert Barnes is considered to be among the first Lutheran
martyrs. Born in 1495, Barnes became the
prior of the Augustinian monastery at Cambridge, England. Converted to Lutheran teaching, he shared his
insights with many English scholars through writings and personal
contacts. During a time of exile to
Germany, he became friends with Luther and later wrote a Latin summary of the
main doctrines of the Augsburg Confession titled Sententiae. Upon his return
to England, Barnes shared his Lutheran doctrines and views in person with King
Henry VIII. The changing political and
ecclesiastical climate in his native country, however, claimed him as a victim;
he was burned at the stake in Smithfield in 1540. His final confession of faith was published
by Luther, who called his friend Barnes, “our good, pious dinner guest and
houseguest … this holy martyr, St. Robert Barnes.”
Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, You gave courage to
Your servant Robert Barnes to give up his life for confessing the true faith
during the Reformation. May we continue
steadfast in our confession of the apostolic faith and to suffer all, even
death, rather than fall away from I; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever.
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