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SWEET WORDS

3/3/2021

Rev. Charles Hoffacker

"How sweet are your words to my taste!
They are sweeter than honey to my mouth."
Psalm 119:103

While commenting on this psalm verse in one of his letters, Ambrose, Bishop of Milan in the fourth century, raises a question. What else can a soul desire when it has once tasted the sweetness of the divine Word, when it has once seen its brightness? What indeed? For nothing can compare with this light and sweetness.

He goes on to cite the examples of Moses and Elijah from the Old Testament and Peter from the New Testament. Moses spent forty days on the mountain, but needed no food. Elijah sought refuge under a broom tree until an angel brought him food and water. After Christ’s Transfiguration, Peter did not wish to leave, but was content to remain, declaring “Lord, it is good for us to be here.”

Each of these three in his own way tasted the honey of the divine Word and enjoyed the brightness of heavenly light. Thus they became content. Fasting presented no obstacle. Waiting did not make them impatient.
Spiritual disciplines help us welcome God’s Word.

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SAINT DAVID OF WALES

3/1/2021

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Rev. Mary McCue

David of Wales is the patron saint of Wales; his feast day is today. He was a monastic, teacher and preacher. David founded monasteries in Wales, Dumnonia and Brittany, and what became St. David’s Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

His monasteries were known for strict rules. Monks had to pull their own plows; animals were not allowed. Their diet was only water, bread with salt and herbs and a few vegetables. They were not allowed to have possessions; even saying “my book” was an infraction of the rules because it implied personal possession.

Many legends surround David. One is that he lived for 140 years. Another is that once while he was preaching at the Synod of Brefi, a white dove landed on his shoulder. A dove became one of his symbols; most portraits of David show him with a white dove on his shoulder. The other symbol of David is
the leek, an emblem of the Welsh that even appears in a play by William
Shakespeare (Henry V). He is perhaps best known for his fierce denunciation of Pelagius at the Synod. (Pelagius denied original sin, and claimed that Augustine was a heretic.) Shortly thereafter he was made an archbishop.

David died on March 1, 589. He is buried at St. David’s Cathedral. Churches all over the world are named in his honor, and many Welsh celebrate St. David’s Day with festive banquets.

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dare to hope

SWEET WORDS

SAINT DAVID OF WALES

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