Today is one of
those days when the Church of Ireland pauses to remember one of those “among
the cloud of Irish witnesses”. Unlike other parts of the Anglican community we
don’t seem to have that many on our Calendar of Saints and many of those
considered by other Christians as Saints are only referred to as “servants”.
These “servants” while not viewed as Saints are however viewed as witnesses to
God in Ireland and are deserving of our remembrance.
To be blunt the remembrance
of Saint’s lives, never mind those of our Church’s witnesses, seems to be the
exception rather than the norm amongst most parishes, but I cannot understand
why. This is the land of “Saints and Scholars” and the power of God evidenced
in the lives of the God’s Saints and witnesses can provide a great comfort and
indeed encouragement to Christian men and women today.
Take the “little
monk” Munchin who lived in the 7th Century, and who we remember this
day. Known as “the wise”, Munchin devoted his time to studying the Word of God,
as well as prayerful reflection upon Christ, and though little is known of him
it is believed that he founded the city of Limerick on land granted to him by an
ancient king.
It is true that
we know little of him, but when it comes to the Saints and witnesses it’s all about
what we can learn...
From Munchin we
learn the lesson of devotion to God. We learn that wisdom comes from the
diligent study of His Word which is able to make us wise unto Salvation. We
learn that prayer is a great way to bring us closer to God and we learn that we
should always look to serve the needs of others by giving what we have for the
benefit of all (like Munchin did with his land).
So today in
the words of Bishop George Simms “We pray for the bishop, clergy and people of
the diocese of Limerick, giving thanks for the tradition of prayer and study
begun by Munchin, the "little monk", in a golden period of Irish
Christianity and Celtic monastic life.”
Source of all wisdom,
you so inspired your servant Munchin
that he became affectionately known as 'The Wise':
Renew in your church the tradition of prayer and study,
that we may for ever honour you with heart, soul and mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
you so inspired your servant Munchin
that he became affectionately known as 'The Wise':
Renew in your church the tradition of prayer and study,
that we may for ever honour you with heart, soul and mind;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
