St Aidan of Lindisfarne

Monday is the feast day of St Aidan of Lindisfarne, a 7th century Irish monk who helped to restore Christianity in northern England. The Christian influence there had waned with the rise of Anglo-Saxon power, but the new king Oswald of Northumbria, who as a boy in exile had converted to Christianity, asked for missionaries from the monastery of Iona to help spread the gospel again in his kingdom. Aidan was sent, and established his priory on the island of Lindisfarne, sometimes called the Holy Island. (There are beautiful ruins there to visit to this day.) Aidan was a gifted evangelist, and established churches, schools, and monasteries in his time as Bishop. He was known for his kindness and charity to all who were in need.

The 8th century historian Bede wrote this about Aidan: He was one to traverse both town and country on foot, never on horseback, unless compelled by some urgent necessity; and wherever in his way he saw any, either rich or poor, he invited them, if infidels, to embrace the mystery of the faith or if they were believers, to strengthen them in the faith, and to stir them up by words and actions to alms and good works. 

What a wonderful model to take for us as we seek our call in Pauma Valley. We are called to humbly spread the good news to all people, inviting everyone to experience God's love in this beautiful place - those who have once been part of church and those who have not. We have light to share and encouragement and help to offer! May we remember to live not for ourselves alone, but for God and all God's children in this place.