20th November

Island Soldiers

So then stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord’s service is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15: 58

A mind prepared for red martyrdom.
A mind fortified and steadfast for white martyrdom.
Forgiveness from the heart for everyone.
Constant prayers for those who trouble you.
Fervour in singing.
Three labours in the day – prayers, work, and reading.
From the Rule of Columba, now in the Burgundian Library, Brussels.

Iona, Iona, Iona,
The seagulls crying,
Wheeling, flying
O’er the rain-washed bay;
Iona, Iona,
The soft breeze sighing,
The waves replying
On a clear, blue day,Iona.
Iona, Iona, Iona,
The wild winds whipping,
Comfort stripping
With the gale’s chill sword;
Iona, Iona,
The waters glisten,
The wild winds listen
To the voice of our Lord;
Iona.

Iona’s blessing strengthens and firmly it will hold you;
Then from this rocky fortress goes forth our island soldier;
May Christ who calmed the tempest with safety now enfold you.
From the play with music Columba.

Lord, may these graces flower as never before –
the grace of authenticity and trust
the grace of forgiving love and laughter
the maturity of pity for those who manipulate