Cuthbert of Lindisfarne

4th September A Reading about the life of St Cuthbert.

Cuthbert was born in Northumbria about the year 634. We are told he had a normal and happy childhood, and was noted for his high spirits. As a lad tending sheep on the Lammermuir hills he had a vision: St Bede says that on the death of St Aidan, Cuthbert saw 'with his mind's eye a soul of exceeding brightness' being carried heavenwards by angels. Perhaps this had an influence on him when he later became a monk, probably in his late teens, at Melrose under St Eata. Cuthbert's years as a monk was filled with a great deal of apostolic activity.

He would often be away from his monastery for several weeks at a time, working to keep the spirit of the Gospel alive among the people of the remoter parts between Berwick and Galloway. (Present day Kirkcubright means ‘the Church of Cuthbert'). It was said that none could resist Cuthbert's winning manner, and no one could conceal from him their secret sins. When Cuthbert accompanied St Eata to Lindisfarne in 664, he extended his work southward to Northumberland and Durham.

In spite of his travels and apostolic work, Cuthbert was by nature a solitary. In 676 he retired to the desolate islet of Farne. But it was typical of Cuthbert that, when his solitude was disturbed by the many visitors who sought his advice, he built a house to accommodate them. He took it ‘to be another kind of prayer' if he could help others in their difficulties.

In 684 Cuthbert was called to be bishop of Hexham. Almost at once he exchanged his see with St Eata for that of Lindisfarne, and, as Bishop, he continued the same work among the people that he had done there before.

Cuthbert is of special appeal today because he was a man who had a great interest in the ways of birds and animals, as had St Godric, St Hugh, and St Francis. The ample sources we have of his life and character show us a man of extraordinary charm and of practical ability who profoundly moved people by the attraction of his holiness. It is not for nothing that Bede so often refers to him as 'the child of God'.

Cuthbert's life as a bishop was cut short by a premature death in 687. When he felt the end approaching he withdrew to his retreat on Farne. He died there during the night 'in the very act of praising God'.