St. Columba of Iona
Celtic pilgrimages have touched my soul for over thirty years now. For centuries, pilgrims have made the long journey to the remote Holy Isle of Iona for it is a magical, thin place, where earth and heaven meet almost in every corner of the island. In May, I returned to the wild, windswept island of Iona to savor moments close to God.
We have Columba to thank for introducing us to Iona. The first Celtic cross was on Iona.
We remember Columba, Abbot of Iona (597), on June 9. Columba was a devout monk in Ireland in the 6th century, known for his scholarly and clerical ability. He founded a number of monasteries in Ireland. Ah, but as often happens, conflict arose. Legend says he copied a psalter and was accused of copyright violations. He chose to get as far away from Ireland as possible and landed on the remote island of Iona.
There he began a monastery and started converting the local tribe of Picts. He traveled on missionary journeys throughout Scotland. He and his disciples are responsible for spreading the Good News throughout Scotland and Western England.
Columba is most associated with Iona, where he preached, taught, lived and loved like Jesus.
This prayer conveys Columba’s simple rule of life, serving His Lord on Iona (and beyond):
Let me bless Almighty God, whose power extends over sea and land, whose angels watch over all. Let me study sacred books to calm my soul. I pray for peace, kneeling at heaven’s gates. Let me do my daily work, gathering seaweed, catching fish, giving food to the poor. Let me say my daily prayers, sometimes chanting, sometimes, quiet, always thanking God. Delightful it is to live on a peaceful isle, in a quiet cell, serving the King of Kings.
I offer this prayer of inspiration from the Iona Community Worship Book:
O God, you gave your servant Columba gifts of courage, faith and cheerfulness, and sent out your servants from Iona to carry your Gospel to every creature. Grant we pray a like spirit to your Church even at this present time. Amen
Pentecost blessings,
Judy Q+
