As we journey through the world, we meet many who accompany us, guide us, keep us, feed us and many things besides. Each leave a lasting impression. One of the great ancients who inspires me is St Cuthbert. My first encounter with this amazing saint was while on placement during my college days. My placement was to a set of parishes in North Somerset. There, I met a gentle priest who was quite at a loss as to what to do with an 'Independent Student' from Theological College. He set me to visiting, taking part in the service of others and reordering his library. Yet, as I was not yet an Ordinand, he wasn't sure whether or not to allow me into the pulpit.
Today is the date on which St Cuthbert died and is now remembered and celebrated, and also the anniversary of a penny dropping for that great priest. Unsure what was expected, on that day, he told me he knew he was to set me the task of preaching and also to introduced me to St C!
A month ago M Mary Jean ssc passed away. This amazing woman had given her whole life to prayer and community life. She, too, a gentle guide to many who crossed the threshold at Tymawr. Her many gifts were used with humility and love. Her faith was a witness to all who met her. She loved to read and listen to the words of the many who have written through the ages, giving insights to today's faithful. Today she is numbered with the saints, named and unnamed, who are the cloud of witnesses.
Lindisfarne Priory photo is taken from the sight below.
If you want to find out more about St Cuthbert go to:
http://www.britainexpress.com/History/saxon/cuthbert.htm
My inspiration was my very dear grandma who used to chat away to God while doing the washing up, as if he was sitting there in the sink. I remember being really puzzled as a child, wondering who on earth she was talking to. But hers was an immense spirituality and it had a profound impact on me when I was old enough to understand.
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