Historical Setting: Northumbria, 793 C.E.
Religious rule is narrow. To a monk bound to the community by the Rule it may appear that another’s relationship with God is no relationship at all. Brother Ealdwin knows my robe is borrowed and assumes I am spiritually adrift because I don’t seem to value the Benedictine Rule. I seem to be on an opposite side of this centuries-old controversy. Should we chant the Hallelujah of Easter on the day the Pope proclaims it to be, or should we follow the tradition of the Celtic saints who apparently founded this community?
“Good Brother Ealdwin, I know you think I’m lost in spirit but God still knows me. I am only lost in the earthly sense, a stranger in a borrowed robe, showing up here amid all the sorrow, arguing against the Rule. I do keep a hermit’s spirituality.”
“You are searching, Brother. Perhaps, you’re not ready to become a monk at this time.”
“Maybe I should just shake the Lindisfarne sand from my shoes and go to Jarrow on this quest to learn the history of this place.”
“What do you even know of Jarrow?”
“I’ve heard it is one part of a double monastery, the St. Paul, of Peter and Paul.”
He says, “If you don’t appreciate the rule here, just wait till you get to Jarrow.”
“I’ve heard they have a very fine library there”
“The writings of the Venerable Bebe are in that place. It was his home.”
“As I’ve heard.”
“That will definitely put your studies on the righteous path. If you can ever bend to the rule, Jarrow is the place that will bend you.”
“So, I’ve heard.”
“There is a merchant, Cloothar who sails down the coast to the rivers Wear and Tyne to Jarrow. He trades in dry goods and will gladly take Jabari’s robe that fits you so poorly and provide you more suitable clothing for a layman.”
“Of course – new clothes can make all things right. My tonsure, pretending a crown is already giving way to my common hair.”
“Farewell Brother, may you one day learn to value the orderly teachings of Rome.”
I walk the causeway to the mainland to find this merchant, Cloothar.
I hope Ealdwin’s parting wish won’t follow me. I’m not craving more Roman order for my prayers just now.
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 