On the Feast of St Bede, a reflection from Fr Chris Hughes
Today in the Diocese we celebrate the Feast of St Bede.
Although there are thousands of people who been canonised only 36 people have been made a Doctor of the Church, a recognition that as well as giving us an example of holiness their insights and wisdom have added to the rich tradition of the Church.
St Bede is one of those 36 and the first person born on these islands to be given the title. St John Henry Newman was the second Englishman who was recently given that title.
We give thanks for his breadth and depth of faith that was open to the world around him at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow.
The readings for this feast of St Bede (Matthew 5 :13-16) invite us reflect on God‘s wisdom, this can only be done through the Spirit.
For me the source of such wisdom come from the following attributes:-
Be attentive to yourself, to others and the world around you
Be honest and transparent
Acknowledge your needs especially your need of God each day
Be patient with yourself and others
Do not give up, especially after any failures
Acknowledge your learning especially as a human being and how we relate with others. Learning is life long!
Be vulnerable and bold in putting insights into practice and be willing to learn from it
Be grateful.
The Gospel calls us to be light and salt. Light shines out and we must embrace the world as followers of Christ. Salt is deep, dissolved and concealed in food but transforms us. We must allow the Spirit of Christ to be deep within us, so that it has an impact of our lives.
St Bede – Pray for us.