Words of Light and Hope from Tony Hawes

On 9th June the Church remembers St. Columba,
Abbot of Iona, Missionary (521-597). He was a
brilliant organiser, poet, song-writer and prophet,
spreading the Gospel to Scotland and beyond.

The following words are attributed to Columba:

Alone with none but you, my God,
I journey on my way.
What need I fear, when you are near,
O King of night and day?
More safe am I within your hand
than if a host did round me stand.

My life I yield to your command,
and bow to your control
in peaceful calm, for from your arm
no power can snatch my soul.
Could earthly foes ever appal
a soul that heeds the heavenly call?

Let me bless almighty God,
whose power extends over sea and land,
and 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.

Prayer
Kindle in us, O God,
the flame of that love which never ceases,
that it may burn in us, giving light to others.
May that light, which shone so brightly
in Columba,
take away the darkness of our hearts,
and bring us to share with him
the light of the eternal city. Amen.