A Monk who stayed put

Today is the feast day of St Bede. Like us during this time of isolation, Bede stayed in his monastery never travelling, and yet left us an amazing history of Early Britain, theology and prayers. He may inspire us to think about what we can achieve from one place or his words may help us to reflect on what love is. 

Bede was born in Northumbria around the year 670. When he was seven, his family gave him to the monastery of St Peter and St Paul at Wearmouth. This was probably not as horrid as it sounds to us today as it was the only way in which a family of poorer means could educate their sons and give them a good start in life particularly if a child showed ability. He then moved to Jarrow, where he lived as a monk for the rest of his life. Bede never travelled further than York but was incredibly well read. His monastery, under Abbot Benet Biscop and then Abbot Ceolfrith,  was a centre of learning, and Bede studied extensively. He used all the resources available to write the most complete history of Christian England up to the year 729, as well as commentaries on books of the Bible. He was renowned for his faithfulness to his monastery and his love of teaching, and was fondly remembered by his pupils. He died peacefully on this day, still in his monastery, in 735.

Some of his most important sayings are:

‘Unfurl the sails and let God Steer us where he will’

‘He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbour’.

“The ultimate Mystery of being, the ultimate Truth, is Love. ….There is in Being an infinite desire to give itself in love and this gift of Self in love is for ever answered by a return of love....and so the rhythm of the universe is created.”

Bede’s Prayer

O Christ, our Morning Star,
Splendour of Light Eternal,
shining with the glory of the rainbow,
come and waken us
from the greyness of our apathy,
and renew in us your gift of hope.
Amen