Some of the Celtic saints were known as ‘Peregrini’, meaning ‘foreigner’ or ‘traveller’. Motivated by their faith these adventurous travellers went on dangerous journeys and voyages.
Three Irish monks, ‘peregrini’, Dubslane, Macbeth and Maelinmum set out to sea in a coracle – a small boat with no sail, oars or rudder – believing that their God would guide their craft to wherever it was supposed to go. They landed in Cornwall and explained their journey to King Alfred the Great…
Bukayo Saka, 21-year-old star of the English football team, wrote to pupils at his primary school: “I grew up in a Christian family who believe strongly in God… My faith is constantly being exercised when I’m put in different situations or I play in big football matches such as my England debut.”
Yesterday Emma Fowle wrote: ‘Saka is one of the new generation of English football stars, praised for their decency, work ethic and talent. A tee-total, straight A student, more likely to be found horsing around in the pool… than falling out of a bar, Saka… has a faith in God that seems to have a positive impact both on and off the pitch…’
Yet. despite his fame and faith Saka’s a peregrini, travelling the uncertain world of international football.
Recent conversations with friends include… a baby being born today, illnesses and hospital, a marriage breakdown and reconciliation, recurring mental health anxieties, positivity about answered prayers, children being taken into care, surgery and healing…
Life is random and uncertain.
Reading St Paul’s words this morning: ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.’
Musing this morning… the adventurous spirit of the Peregrini, Bukayo Saka’ certain faith in uncertainty, the random uncertainties of life, the robust determination of St Paul… me?
malcolmsmusings.org 