Thoughts for the Day

The Commissioning of the Disciples

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Today we celebrate the life of Willibrord of York, a Bishop and Apostle of Frisia. He was born in Northumbria and was educated at Ripon, but the main part of his life was dedicated to his missionary work in Frisia, and in northern Germany. He built many churches, inaugurated bishoprics and consecrated cathedrals, including the Cathedral of Utrecht, with a diocesan organisation based on that of Canterbury Together with his younger contemporary Boniface, he began a century of English Christian influence on continental Christianity. Alcuin described him as venerable, gracious and full of joy, and his ministry as based on energetic preaching, informed by prayer and sacred reading. He died on this day in 739 CE and was buried at Echternach monastery in Luxembourg, which he founded. He is the patron saint of Holland. (from 'Exciting Holiness', Collects and Readings for Festivals)

It is tempting to think of the Christians of our time as the only ones that matter, but we should never forget the influence of men and women like Bishop Willibrord. In the same way as we stand on the shoulders of the first Apostles that Jesus commissioned to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit", so we stand on the shoulders of those like Willibrord who took the Gospel to hostile nations around the world.

Willibrord is described by Alcuin as 'venerable' (possible wise), 'gracious' (possibly kind to all), and 'full of joy'. What an example for us to copy. But notably he was fed by his prayer life and his reading of the scriptures.

Collect for Willibrord

God, the saviour of all,
you sent your servant Willibrord from this land
to proclaim the good news to many peoples
and confirm them in their faith:
help us also to witness to your steadfast love
by word and deed
so that your Church may increase
and grow strong in holiness;
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.
Amen.