Week V - Learning

 

Entry into stillness

O Lord, let my soul rise up to meet you:

as the day rises to meet the sun.

 

Glory to God, Source of All,

Word of Truth, Breath of Life,

as it was in the beginning, is now, 

and shall be for ever. Amen. 

 

Canticle

Christ, as a light

illumine and guide me.

Christ, as a shield

overshadow me.

Christ under me;

Christ over me;

Christ beside me

on my left and my right.

This day be within and without me,

lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Be in the heart of each to whom I speak;

in the mouth of each who speaks unto me.

This day be within and without me,

lowly and meek, yet all-powerful.

Christ as a light;

Christ as a shield;

Christ beside me

on my left and my right.  

                      (Northumbria Community)

 

Introduction to our saintly companion

We are focussing on GIVING this week, when others may be distracted by GIVING UP. Part of the ancient Christian tradition of Lent involved the giving of alms to those in need, reminding ourselves not only of the needs of others but also our own need for others. 

 

Lent is about assessing what we really need

to survive - and thrive - and what is getting

in the way, or surplus to requirement. In a

society driven by consumption, Lent offers

us a chance to build our resilience against

the cult of acquisition. 

 

Hilda of Whitby (c. 614-680)

Saint Hilda of Whitby, Hilda also spelled Hild, (born 614, Northumbria - died 680 in Whitby), founder of Streaneshalch (now Whitby) Abbey and one of the foremost abbesses of Anglo-Saxon England. With Bishops SS. Colman of  Lindisfarne and Cedd of the East Saxons, she led the Celtic party at the Synod of Whitby (c. 663 -664).

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She was baptized (c. 627), later she became Abbess of Hartlepool Abbey, Durham, and in 654/655 was entrusted with the upbringing of the daughter of King Oswiu, Edwin’s successor. The child’s name was Aelfflaed (later St. Aelfflaed). The King also gave Hilda the land on which she founded (c. 657) a double monastery of monks and nuns at Streaneshalch. Her abbey became one of the great religious centres of northeastern England. Among its members was Caedmon, the earliest English Christian poet. In 663/664 Streaneshalch housed the Synod of Whitby, summoned by Oswiu to settle the dispute over the date of Easter. Hilda supported the Celtic Church and opposed the Wilfridian party led by the Northumbrian bishop St. Wilfrid, who supported the Roman Church. Unlike Colman, Hilda submitted to Oswiu’s decision in favour of the Wilfridian party.

 

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Listening to Scripture         Matthew 11: 25-35

At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

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‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

 

Waiting for the Word

We spend some time reflecting and listening for the Word. 

 

Practicing Lent

This week why not:

 

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Blessing

Circle us, Lord

Keep strife without, keep peace within;

keep fear without, keep hope within;

keep pride without, keep trust within;

keep evil out, keep good within.

May we walk in the hope of your 

presence;

fill us with your light and love;

be with us all through this day

Source, Word and Spirit.

 

Further reading

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