The Example of Aidan
Aidan arrived in Northumbria in 635AD. He set up his base on Lindisfarne or the Holy Isle. Lindisfarne was isolated and protected — the perfect place for a monastery. It had a causeway connecting it to the mainland, which appeared twice a day at low tide, so the monks could travel back and forth on their missionary journeys. Aidan established an Irish-style monastery of round huts, a communal meeting place and a small church. The monks developed a routine of prayer and study. In preparation for their mission trips among the English, the Irish monks invested a lot of time in learning the English language. Oswald not only helped the monks learn the language, but also accompanied them on their trips as an interpreter. Aidan’s approach to mission was simple. He walked round the countryside and chatted with the people whom he met along the way. Where people showed some interest, Aidan sent his monks to regularly visit their villages and form small local Christian communities.
Aidan was so committed to the importance of walking and talking with people, that when the king gave him a horse to help him on his travels, Aidan promptly gave the prize steed to the next beggar he met who asked for alms. The king, by all reports, was furious that Aidan had given away this expensive gift. But Aidan reprimanded him, saying that as far as he was concerned, people were more important than presents. Not surprisingly, Aidan developed a great reputation among the English for his integrity and generosity. Accord-ing to witnesses, Aidan was ‘indifferent to the dignity of a bishop, but influencing all men by his humility’. He ‘delighted in distributing to the poor whatever was given him by the rich men of the world’. Aidan used the gifts of money he was given to ransom people sold into slavery. Aidan died in 651AD. As a result of Aidan’s witness ‘many Northumbrians, both noble and simple, laid aside their weapons, preferring to take monastic vows rather than study the art of war… He and his followers lived as they taught — namely a life of peace and charity…’[i]
[i] Dave Andrews ‘Aidan’ in People Of Compassion Tear Melbourne 2009 p19-21
Very good entry.Aidan is indeed an example.Having said that,I must add that each one has his own temperament.Aidan’s was a sociable temperament,which helped him form bonds with people.Mine is just the opposite.I am not considered a ‘chatty’ personality.Many prejudiced people have often preferred others’ company,instead of mine.But then,in accordance with my unique characteristics,I also do good deeds,day by day.My resolve to do so has been strengthened ever since I discovered the purpose of this website.I also liked the fact of Aidan not being attached to material posessions.