The Feast of St Aidan

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. - Mark 6: 45-46

In our lectionary, today, being 31^st of August, is the Feast of St. Aidan.

idan, a 7th-century Irish monk, became the first bishop of Lindisfarne, an island off the northeast coast of England. Known as the “Apostle of Northumbria,” he led a Celtic monastic community renowned for prayer, simplicity of life, and missionary zeal.

Christianity likely first came to Britain during the Roman occupation (2nd–4th century). After the fall of Rome and the arrival of the Anglo-Saxons, much of that early Christianity waned in parts of England. Meanwhile, in the west and north — Ireland, Scotland, and Wales — Celtic Christianity flourished, spread by missionaries like St. Patrick (5th c.) and later St. Columba and St. Aidan.

Celtic Christianity emphasised prayer and monastic life. Island monasteries were established in Lindisfarne and Iona. They were also engaged in missions and service to communities. Monks lives in simplicity and will travel lightly, walking village to village. They also were close to nature, with prayers and poetry often celebrated God in creation. They lived in community and discipleship. These qualities gave the English church a spirituality that was simple, prayerful, and missionary-minded.

When Pope Gregory sent St Augustine in the 6^th century, Celtic Christianity combined with Roman Christianity – which was organised and hierarchical - to shape the English or Anglican Church as we know today. The influence of Celtic Christianity is one reason why the Anglican Church has a rich heritage in prayer, liturgy and spirituality. We can experience some of these resources in our Prayer Book of Common Prayer or our digital Praydos.  

St Aidan and his fellow monks lived their life with a rhythm. When the tide was up, cutting off the main island, they would remain in the monastery for prayer. When the tide went down, they would cross the shallows to bring the gospel to others.

As we can see in the life of Jesus (i.e. Mark 6:45-46), in the midst of his three years of active public ministry, He was often very intentional in spending time to be alone with His Father. There is a time to be with people, and a time to be alone with God. There is a time to serve, and a time to pray. The two are not opposed but complementary.

St Aidan followed the footsteps of his Master in this regard. The Prayer of St Aidan beautifully captures this rhythm. We need to ask God to “make me an island, set apart, alone with you, God, holy to you.” That with the turning of the tides, we may carry His presence to a busy world. 

Leave me alone with God as much as may be.As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,Make me an island, set apart,alone with you, God, holy to you.

Then with the turning of the tideprepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,the world that rushes in on metill the waters come again and fold me back to you.