Mid Week Reflection: David, Dewi Sant
David (Dewi Sant in Welsh)
By Hchc2009 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43152858
You will not be surprised that once again we do not know too much about the saint.
Tradition suggests that David lived in the 6th century and whose ancestors were of Welsh royalty and whose mother was Saint Non. We have to rely on the book the Life of David, written by around 1090 by Rhygyfarch (pronounced ridgi farg) for much of what we know about David.
David was educated at the monastery of Hen Fynye under St. Paulinus later becoming a priest. According to legend David was vegetarian, whether he became a vegetarian while at Hen Fynye is not known. His diet was bread, herbs and vegetables and drank only water, becoming known as Aquaticus or Dewi Ddyfrwr (the water drinker in Welsh).
His life was one of a missionary exercising this ministry in Wales and Britain. During this period he established a number of monasteries, including one at Glastonbury and Minevia (St David’s). He was also a teacher. He made Minevia his base as bishop, he was to become Archbishop of Wales at the Synod of Brevi (Llandewi Brefi), Cardiganshire in 550.
Monastic life was strict, the brothers engaged in hard manual work, cultivating the land and according to legend had to pull the plough rather than use a beast. They also undertook craft work and were well known for their beekeeping skills which was important as a dietary supplement. Their day would consist of prayer, study, manual work, ensuring they had sufficient food for themselves and feeding the poor. It was a hard yet simple life but one that clearly drew others to this way of life.
St. David as the teacher of Finnian of Clonard in a stained glass window restored to its 1181 appearance at Clonard
By Andreas F. Borchert, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2795226
+ In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God, who in generous mercy sent the Holy Spirit
upon your Church in the burning fire of your love:
grant that your people may be fervent in the fellowship of the gospel that, always abiding in you,
they may be found steadfast in faith and active in service;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
(Common Worship Collect for the 15th Sunday of Trinity )
The Word of the Lord
(verses from the readings from those set for the 15th Sunday of Trinity)
Psalm 19 (1-6)
The heavens are telling the glory of God • and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
One day pours out its song to another • and one night unfolds knowledge to another.
They have neither speech nor language • and their voices are not heard,
Yet their sound has gone out into all lands • and their words to the ends of the world.
In them has he set a tabernacle for the sun, • that comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber and rejoices as a champion to run his course.
It goes forth from the end of the heavens and runs to the very end again, •
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Pause
Mark (8.27-29)
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’* 30And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Pause
Banias, name for the Canaanite god Pan. Mentioned in the gospels as Caesarea Philippi
Bill Rice from Flat Rock, MI, USA
Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
Wikimedia Commons
‘Who do people say that I am?’ A chance question, a chance location or a location of choice? What a location for Jesus to use, to ask the question ‘Who do people say that I am?’ Peter has the answer and then the disciples are told to keep silent. The timing was not right to spread this news, the time would come but not now.
A question for you, who do you say Jesus is? What word or words would you use to describe Jesus? The time is right to spread the news, in fact there is no better time.
Pause and reflect on the question ‘Who do you say Jesus is?’
Open the ears of the many longing to hear your voice who, deafened by the world, have yet to hear you speak.
Bring them to a quiet place where they can be at peace and, in a moment’s stillness, let them hear your words of comfort, love and grace, so that, in the days that follow, they may discern your call through the world’s noise and know that you are close.
Loving God, may there always be within our everyday activities, enough time to read your Word, listening quietly as it speaks into our lives, strengthens faith and challenges us once more to face each day with confidence, carrying your light into this world
(John Birch)
Let us draw into our circle of prayer our:
Family
Friends
Local church and its leaders
wider community
widening our circle to include:
those in government and positions of authority
those who are oppressed
those who are hungry and homeless
those who are ill
those facing death
Merciful Father, accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen
Lord God,
defend your Church from all false teaching
and give to your people knowledge of your truth,
that we may enjoy eternal life
in Jesus Christ our Lord. (Alternative Common Worship Collect for the 15th Sunday of Trinity )
The Lords Prayer
+ In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
God’s love be in your word and action
God’s grace be in the song you sing
God’s joy be in your contemplation
God’s peace be in your journeying.
*John Birch (Walking with God pages 18, 69, 100)
You may wish the finish this time of reflective prayer sitting silently and enjoying a peaceful moment or two. You may also think about listening to some music that has touched you or a favourite hymn or song. Enjoy these moments! God bless!
Derek Akker
