Celtic monks had a sense of humour and cats

In the book "Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry" translated by Kuno Meyer (1911) is the poem below about a monk and his cat. It seems that the fascination with all things to do with cats is not just an internet sensation. Centuries before facebook monks were observing and delighting in their pet cats! Enjoy!

THE MONK AND HIS PET CAT

I and my white PangurHave each his special art:His mind is set on hunting mice,Mine is upon my special craft.

I love to rest—better than any fame!—With close study at my little book:White Pangur does not envy me:He loves his childish play.

When in our house we two are all alone—A tale without tedium!We have—sport never-ending!Something to exercise our wit.

At times by feats of derring-doA mouse sticks in his net,While into my net there dropsA difficult problem of hard meaning.

He points his full shining eyeAgainst the fence of the wall:I point my clear though feeble eyeAgainst the keenness of science.

He rejoices with quick leapsWhen in his sharp claw sticks a mouse:I too rejoice when I have graspedA problem difficult and dearly loved.

Though we are thus at all times,Neither hinders the other,Each of us pleased with his own artAmuses himself alone.

[Pg 82]

He is a master of the workWhich every day he does:While I am at my own workTo bring difficulty to clearness.

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Learning from a Celtic hermit

A hermit is someone who escapes from the world to live simply in a remote place in order that they may cultivate their relationship with God. It is not about running away from life for when we are on our own we can become very aware of ourselves and the things about ourselves that are hidden by the noise of life going on around us. The fantasies of our dreams will become more intense in the long hours of solitude. The hermits life was hard but ultimately rewarding.  In the simplicity of a hut or cave in a remote place hermits were known for their wisdom and would be sought out for advice. 

In Lent as we think about what is really important in life and how we clutter our lives with so much that doesn't ultimately matter, the ancient Irish hermits song speaks to us of finding the real meaning of life.

THE HERMIT'S SONG

I wish, O Son of the living God, O ancient, eternal King,
For a hidden little hut in the wilderness that it may be my dwelling.
An all-grey lithe little lark to be by its side,
A clear pool to wash away sins through the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Quite near, a beautiful wood around it on every side,
To nurse many-voiced birds, hiding it with its shelter.
A southern aspect for warmth, a little brook across its floor,
A choice land with many gracious gifts such as be good for every plant.
A few men of sense—we will tell their number—
Humble and obedient, to pray to the King:—
Four times three, three times four, fit for every need,
Twice six in the church, both north and south:—
Six pairs besides myself,
Praying for ever the King who makes the sun shine.
A pleasant church and with the linen altar-cloth, a dwelling for God from Heaven;
Then, shining candles above the pure white Scriptures.
One house for all to go to for the care of the body,
Without ribaldry, without boasting, without thought of evil.
This is the husbandry I would take, I would choose, and will not hide it:
Fragrant leek, hens, salmon, trout, bees.
Raiment and food enough for me from the King of fair fame,
And I to be sitting for a while praying God in every place.

This poem is found in "Selections from Ancient Irish Poetry" TRANSLATED BY  KUNO MEYER
LONDON   1911

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Change

The phrase "each day is a fresh start" is especially true for me today. Yesterday was my final day in one job and I have today started on a journey towards something new. I have to go through a process that will both test and equip me for whatever lies ahead. 

Facing change can be scary. Human beings like what we know. It makes us feel comfortable. But everything in life changes. Every day we grow older as cells in our bodies die and are replaced by new ones. Plants grow and die and the tide washes in and out bringing a fresh pattern to the beach every time. As we look around us the only things that are unchanging are human ideas that we have become stuck with. People who never change their ideas can get left behind as the world moves on and leaves them isolated in a kind of metaphorical stale and stagnant pool. 

The whole meaning of life is change. Where is God in this change? Is God the one immortal and unchanging reality under-girding all that is? This is true but also God is beyond reality so his unchanging nature is also changing as we perceive it in different ways from our changing perspectives. Some theologians would say God changes as well.

Certainly no one could doubt that human understanding of God has changed over the centuries. However much our lives and our perspectives change we can be sure that God's love and support for us never alters. With that assurance we can face change and challenge knowing that which is ultimately most important is secure. 

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