Historical Setting: Jarrow, 793 C.E.
By the time I can begin reading I will be so knowledgeable of Bede I might be able to read this history with his own voice. Now Wilbert says he, himself, was the scribe for the elder monk on his death bed.
“I was called to his bedside with parchment and inks, expecting I would be writing down the summation of his life — his last words. But the venerable Bede was finishing up his translation of the Gospel of Saint John. So, there I was, for the long night of it, writing down reference material for a bible scholar. Those of us who were his students loved him and really would rather hear his parting personal words for us.”
I’m just listening to Wilbert’s ramblings, having nothing more to say. But I’m glad now, I used my Hebrew name to sign in as “Eleazor” since I’m curious about Bede translated John 11, “Lazarus” as he was nearing his own death. I’m glad now to keep a secret of my personal interest in the Lazarus story. Was Bede one of the translators who had so little regard for my sister, a wealthy follower of Jesus, that he picked up the label of prostitute from the Luke writer thinking a prostitute could obtain an expensive burial perfume? These gospels are personal stories for me. The flask of pure nard was purchased for my own first funeral that never was completed.
Wilbert said he sat with Bede wanting the personal touch of his teacher. And maybe I, too, only want a personal touch of my teacher, Jesus.
Wilbert rambles on. “The saint would often quote the words of Saint Ambrose, ‘I have not lived in such a way that I am ashamed to live among you, and I do not fear to die, for God is gracious’ (Paulinus, Life of Saint Ambrose, Ch. 45). Footnote 1
“After a sleepless night, Saint Bede continued his dictation… At the Third Hour, there was a procession with the relics of the saints in the monastery, and the brethren went to attend this service, leaving me with Bede. I remained taking down one more chapter to be written in the book which he was dictating. I really didn’t want to disturb my dying teacher, but he said, ‘It is no trouble. Take your pen and write quickly.'” Footnote 2
Footnote 1: https://www.oca.org/saints/lives/2019/05/27/103796-venerable-bede-the-church-historian Retrieved 2-20-25
Footnote2: Ibid. Retrieved 2-20-25
(Continues tomorrow)
Lazarus Ink 