Cuthbert 			March 20
Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary
Cuthbert is one of the most lovable figures in the history of the English church. Little is known of his childhood except that he was strong and athletic and enjoyed games. Born about 635, Cuthbert became a shepherd, though his ambition was to be a monk. He entered the monastery at Melrose and was taught by Boisil the prior. After Boisil’s death, Cuthbert became the prior. In 664 he went to Lindisfarne as prior. There was much opposition from the monks as he set out to improve discipline and restore morale, but his gentle sincerity and graciousness gained their trust.
While at Melrose and Lindisfarne, Cuthbert travelled extensively through Northumbria, strengthening the Christian communities, even venturing into the wilder hilly areas, healing the sick, baptising and teaching. There was strong resistance from many who felt they had been “robbed of the old religion”.
In 676 Cuthbert sought a more solitary life of prayer. He moved to the remote Inner Farne, a small barren rocky island, where not even a tree or bush could survive. There Cuthbert lived in a partly underground cell, but people would cross from the mainland to seek his counsel. As the years passed, Cuthbert withdrew more and more, enjoying only the company of the birds and animals.
In 684 Cuthbert was elected bishop of Hexham. He could not be persuaded to leave Lindisfarne, however; but when his friend Eata was made bishop of Hexham, Cuthbert reluctantly agreed to be bishop of Lindisfarne and was consecrated at York in March 685. In two years Cuthbert wore himself out, preaching, teaching, and visiting all his diocese on horseback or more often on foot. Always friendly and cheerful and full of loving concern for all those with troubles, he was an outstanding pastor. His episcopal role did not change his way of life. He wore the same simple clothing and lived with characteristic simplicity. By his actions Cuthbert gained the love of the people.
Cuthbert fell ill, and, realising he was dying, resigned his see at the end of 686 and returned to the Inner Farne. He died on 20 March 687 and was buried on Lindisfarne. The Danish invasions led to the removal of his remains from Lindisfarne. Only much later (999) were they finally placed in a tomb in Durham cathedral. The “Lindisfarne Gospels” were printed by hand and decorated in his honour.
For Liturgical Use
In his life Cuthbert was a shepherd-boy, a monk, a prior, and a hermit, and then, reluctantly, bishop of Lindisfarne. He always retained his fondness for animals and his enjoyment of hard physical work. Cuthbert lived an austere life devoted to prayer, and he also undertook long journeys, caring for the people of his diocese. He possessed a deep tenderness and sensitivity, a broad compassion and an understanding heart. He had a great love of learning, and Bede says, “Like a good teacher, he taught others to do only what he first practised himself.” He died in 687.
Sentence
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, “I, the Lord, who scattered Israel will gather them, and keep watch over them as a shepherd a flock.”	Jeremiah 31:10 (adapted)
Collects
God of love and goodness,
you called Cuthbert
from looking after sheep
to be a shepherd of your people;
grant that as he sought those who had gone astray,
so we may seek out the indifferent and the lost,
bringing them into your fold;
through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Jesus, living word,
you bless the gentle and the pure in heart;
we praise you for blessed Cuthbert,
called the child of God;
may we too, even now,
have his simplicity.
Psalms	23	121
Readings
Ezekiel 34:11-16		Seeking the lost
2 Corinthians 6:1-10	Servants of God
Matthew 18:12-14		Seeking the lost
Post Communion Sentence
I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, says the Lord.		Jeremiah 23:4