Today is the feast of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne: monk, prior, bishop, healer, hermit. The photo in our "Oremus" shot tonight is from a mural in the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral, one of the older extant representations of the saint. He was trained by Irish saints though the yellow beard in this mural suggests Saxon blood. While hundreds of churches in England are titled by him, I am aware of very few in the United States. When Bishop Swing instituted me as rector of St Cuthbert's, Oakland, I had a strong sense of Cuthbert's presence above the altar watching over things. In 1997 I made a pilgrimage to Durham where his remains are buried.
From Doxy I have an update on her brother-in-law, Jim, with a brain tumor. He "continues to respond to chemotherapy. Something of a miracle, and I know that knowledge of your prayers has really helped Jim, Ruthie, and the boys. So bless you for that."
Jane R asks her prayers for her mother's best friend from college, Ruth, who has just died at age 92, survived by her children Richard and Amy. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. May all who love her find comfort.
For the repose of the soul of Steward L. Udall, conservationist and former Secretary of the Interior. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico is his son.
I ask your prayers for guidance as I make decisions about how I invest my energy.
I ask your prayers not over specific legislation but for effective health care available for all people in the United States and around the world. Any votes that take place in DC tomorrow fall under that umbrella.
For just and peaceful resolution of the political conflict in Thailand.
For peace in Iraq and for the rebuilding of that nation after our unwarranted and illegal invasion and occupation seven years ago.
For the people of South Africa as they prepare to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre.
UPDATE:
For those endangered by a volcanic eruption beside the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in southern Iceland. The concern is that a fissure might form under the glacier and cause flooding. "The Icelandic Civil Aviation Administration has ordered aircraft to stay 120 nautical miles away from the volcano area, essentially closing it off."
Almighty God, you called Cuthbert from following the flock to be a shepherd of your people: Mercifully grant that, as he sought in dangerous and remote places those who had erred and strayed from your ways, so we may seek the indifferent and the lost, and lead them back to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
--the BB
3 comments:
Amen, Paul, and thank you for sharing your prayers which often echo mine, and inspire
- Janine
Will there ever be enough prayers to meet the needs of our troubled world? I don't know the answer to that question, but I feel hopeful when I come here.
Thank you.
We hold each other in love, Ralph. Sometimes that is all we can do but is matters that we do it.
Post a Comment