The twenty eighth day of Lent: Cuthbert

There seems to be a little series occurring in these Lenten blogs of remembering the saints. We did Mary on Sunday, Joseph yesterday and today on his feast day we remember Cuthbert. 

Cuthbert was born around the year 640. As a young boy he experienced a profound experience of the presence of God and resolved to dedicate his life to his service. He was admitted as a monk to Melrose Abbey and eventually moved to Lindisfarne, where he became abbot and was consecrated Bishop in 685. He travelled tirelessly round his diocese, walking and preaching but also retreating for times of solitude and prayer.

There is a tiny island just off Lindisfarne which is itself cut off from the main island by the sea at high tide. Cuthbert withdrew there to embrace the life of a hermit. Eventually he felt even there was not isolated enough so he relocated to Inner Farne, an island even more inaccessible, where he eventually died. 

Bede sums up his character. Can we model him today? 

“Like a good teacher, he taught others to do only what he first practiced himself. Above all else he was afire with heavenly love, unassumingly patient, devoted to unceasing prayer, and kindly to all who came to him for comfort. His self discipline and fasting were exceptional, and through the grace of contrition he was always intent on the things of heaven.”

In 875, the threat from the Viking raids had grown too great and Lindisfarne’s monks had decided to flee. Of course, they couldn’t leave him behind, so with them they took his valuable remains and the precious Lindisfarne Gospels (the beautiful book which was probably crafted as part of the process of building the cult of Cuthbert). The monks carried his body for seven years until their lead persecutor, the Viking leader Halfden, died, allowing them to settle at Chester-le-Street. But not for long…

A century later renewed Viking raids meant that Cuthbert and the monks were on the move again, this time seeking refuge in Ripon before finally settling in Durham, where St Cuthbert’s remains still reside within the cathedral.

Cuthbert on our Lenten journey teaches us of the rigour of church leadership. He worked hard, pastorally walking round his patch, and while he faced opposition from monks in the priory to his suggestions, he kept at it, winning their trust. He also rested well! Retreat time was part of his routine. This is being written today after discussion with two ministers today about work load and time apart. 

Almighty God, who called your servant Cuthbert from following the flock to follow your Son and to be a shepherd of your people:
in your mercy, grant that we, following his example,
may bring those who are lost home to your fold;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.