Thoughts for the Day

* St Mungo's Church, Bromfield, Cumbria

Tending the Flock of God

Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The First Letter of Peter is written to persecuted Christians living in Asia Minor reminding them how they are to live. In this passage he writes to the elders of the churches, arguing they should be spiritual shepherds of their people and good examples to their flocks, so it's an appropriate reading today as we remember Bishop Kentigern also known as Mungo. I first came across his name when I became Rector of the Solway Team, living in the parish of St Mungo's Bromfield in Cumbria with its beautiful Norman church.

We know little about the man himself, but as Archdeacon of Strathclyde he established many new churches, before moving to create the new Diocese of Glasgow. His missionary work continued spreading throughout the area, leaving a huge legacy in Scotland, Cumbria, North Yorkshire and in Wales. There are dozens of churches named after him, as well as schools, wells, charities and even a fire brigade. Most notably he is the patron saint of Glasgow city, where his body is buried in the cathedral. In Cumbria, there are even two Greek Orthodox Communities venerated to St. Mungo/Kentigern, at Dalton in Furness and in Keswick. But many people will also know his name through the work of St Mungo's charity who care for the homeless.

Although we may not know much about the Bishop himself the work that he left behind speaks for his faith, his missionary work and his love for the Christians under his care. Can we look back over our life (whether short or long) and try to estimate our Christian legacy?

Prayer of St Kentigern/Mungo:

Lord our God,
You chose St Kentigern/Mungo as bishop
To spread the light of faith by the preaching of your Word:
Grant our prayer
That we who celebrate his memory
May always be true to his teaching
And so grow daily in faith and holiness.
Amen.