Also, Second Scrutiny
of the Rite of Christian
Initiation
Also the Feast of St.
Cuthbert, March 20
Celtic & Saxon
Hagiography
This is the cross of St. Cuthbert,
found in his tomb in the 19th Century,
but dating from Medieval times.
The Lindisfarne Gospels,
one of the great ancient manuscripts
which came from the monasteries founded by St. Cuthbert.
St. Cuthbert's Way is a marked footpath for pilgrims
connecting Melrose Abbey with Lindisfarne Abbey.
It generally takes four days to hike the path,
over some of the most beautiful scenery
on the border between Scotland and England.
Medieval illustrations of the Life of St. Cuthbert.
Now in the British Library in London
Saint Cuthbert in honored
in the Russian Orthodox Church
by these prayers from his feastday liturgy.
Troparion to Saint Cuthbert
Tone 3:
While still in your youth,
you laid aside all worldly cares,
and took up the sweet yoke of Christ,
and you were shown forth in truth
to be nobly radiant
in the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, God established you
as a rule of faith
and shepherd of His radiant flock,
Godly-minded Cuthbert,
converser with angels
and intercessor for men.
Kontakion
Tone 1
Having surpassed your brethre
in prayers, fasting and vigils,
you were found worthy to entertain
an angel
in the form of a pilgrim.
Having shown forth with humility
as a bright lamp set on high,
you received the gift of working wonders.
And now as you dwell
in the Heavenly Kingdom,
our righteous Father Cuthbert,
intercede with Christ our God
that our souls may be saved!
In the Western Church:
Fourth Sunday of Lent
[ Also, Second Scrutiny of
the Rite of Christian Initiation,
Also, Feast of St. Cuthbert, March 20 ]
Lectionary Images
1 Samuel 16: 1, 6-7, 10-13
[Roman Lectionary]
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
[Revised Common &
Episcopal Lectionaries]
Samuel looked at Eliab,
Jesse’s son, and said to himself:
“Surely he is the Lord’s anointed one,
chosen to be king from all Jesse’s sons.”
But the Lord whispered to Samuel:
“Do not judge from his appearances,
for I have rejected him.
Humans see only Appearances,
but I see The Heart.”
John 9: 1-41
[Roman, Revised Common
& Episcopal Lectionaries]
“I do the deeds of Him who sent me
while it is light.
When night comes, no deeds are done.
But while I am in the world,
I am the Light of the World.”
Later Jesus said,
“I came into the world
to make the sightless see,
and the seeing blind.”