The Venerable Bede
(673-735)
Within the walls of the imposing Norman Cathedral
of Durham lies the simple tomb of a Christian monk who has earned the title
as "Father of English History."
Bede was born at Tyne, in County Durham, and
was taken as a child of seven to the monastery of Wearmouth. Shortly afterwards
he was moved to become one of the first members of the monastic community
at Jarrow. Here, he was ordained a deacon when he was 19 and a priest when
he was 30; and here he spent the rest of his life. He never travelled
outside of this area but yet, became one of the most learned men of Europe.
The scholarship and culture of Italy had been
brought to Britain where it was transported to Jarrow. Here it was combined
with the simpler traditions, devotions and evangelism of the Celtic church.
In this setting Bede learned the love of scholarship, personal devotion and
discipline . He mastered Latin, Greek and Hebrew and had a good knowledge
of the classical scholars and early church fathers.
Bede's writings cover a broad spectrum including
natural history, poetry, Biblical translation and exposition of the scriptures.
His earliest Biblical commentary was probably that on the book of the Revelation.
He is credited with writing three known Latin hymns.
He is remembered chiefly for his "Ecclesiastical
History of the English People." This five volume work records events
in Britain from the raids by Julius Caesar in 55-54 BC to the arrival of the
first missionary from Rome, Saint Augustine in 597. Bede's writings
are considered the best summary of this period of history ever prepared.
Some have called it "the finest historical work of the early Middle Ages."
Bede's motive for recording history reminds
us of his deepest desires. He clearly states his purpose in his writings
when he says, "For if history records good things of good men, the thoughtful
hearer is encouraged to imitate what is good; or if it records evil
of wicked men, the good, religious reader or listener is encouraged to avoid
all that is sinful and perverse, and to follow what he knows to be good and
pleasing to God."
From a prayer of St. Bede
O Lord, Almighty God, open wide my heart
and teach it by the grace of your Holy Spirit to ask for what is pleasing
to you. Direct my thoughts and senses so to think and to act that by
a worthy manner of life I may deserve to obtain the eternal joys of the heavenly
kingdom. Direct my actions according to your commands so that, ever
striving to keep them in my life, I may receive for my deeds the eternal reward.
Our thanks to Barbara Cross,
Mission to the World, Chelmsford,
England
