Oswald			 August 5
King of Northumbria, Martyr
Oswald was born about 602 and became king of Northumbria after his father’s death in 616. He was forced to flee to Scotland when Edwin seized the kingdom. For seventeen years Oswald lived in exile on Iona and was converted to the Christian faith and baptised by the monks of St Columba.
Edwin died in 633, and Oswald determined to return and free his country. On the eve of the decisive battle near Hexham, Oswald set up a large wooden cross, and he and his soldiers prayed for victory. He had a vision of Columba, who assured him of victory. Oswald defeated the British king, Cadwalla of Gwynedd, and after a few years Oswald was undisputed king of Northumbria. He married Cyneburga, daughter of Cynegils, the first Christian king of Wessex.
Oswald began to establish Christianity in his country and appealed to Iona for missionaries. The first bishop who was sent was rather harsh and had little success. Aidan (see 31 August) was eventually sent, and he and Oswald worked unceasingly to build up the church in Northumbria. Oswald often acted as interpreter for Aidan, and together they achieved the conversion of a large part of the area. On more than one occasion Oswald had to translate Aidan’s Irish for the benefit of his thanes. Oswald gave the island of Lindisfarne to Aidan for a monastery and episcopal seat.
In 642, Penda, king of Mercia, sought revenge for the death of Cadwalla. During the battle at Maserfield, Oswald was killed, praying for the souls of his people as he died. His body was dismembered, but his head was carried to Aidan at Lindisfarne, who placed it in the royal chapel at Bamburgh. The dispersion of other parts of his body led to various places, on the continent as well as in Britain, claiming to have his relics. The English honoured Oswald as a martyr. He was a popular hero and was canonised soon after his death.
For Liturgical Use
Oswald was one of the early Christian kings in Britain. During a period of exile he stayed at Iona and became a Christian there. In 633 he returned to Northumbria. Seeking to establish Christianity in his kingdom, he appealed to Iona for missionaries. Aidan was sent, and together they achieved the conversion of a large part of the district. Oswald was killed in a battle with Penda of Mercia. The English honoured Oswald as a martyr. He was a popular hero and canonised soon after his death in 642.
Sentence
You, O Lord, are king, you are clothed in majesty; you have robed yourself, and put on the girdle of strength. 		Psalm 93:1
Collects
Eternal Lord God,
your servant King Oswald
set up the cross on the field of battle
as a sign of his trust in you;
set up the cross in the hearts of your people
that we may triumph by its power;
through Jesus Christ our servant king.

Jesus,
Lord of the mystical past
as much as of the present,
you loved Oswald the Christian soldier king
who taught his thanes the gospel;
help us, if the experts fail us,
to tackle the job ourselves.
Psalms	21	144
Readings
Wisdom 5:15-20		God’s protection
Ephesians 6:10-20		Strong in the Lord
Luke 9:18-24		Taking up the cross
Post Communion Sentence
Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.	
				1 Timothy 6:12