He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God.

  - Psalm 78.5-7

The advice of a devout sage is a great asset if one wishes to avoid punishment. No matter how much you esteem your strength of will, place yourself under the direction of another.

  - The Rule of Comghall, Irish, 6th century

There is no virtue in being ignorant of one’s heritage, or dismissive of one’s forebears.

The tendency in Christian circles today is to seek out only what is new and innovative and hip for defining the faith of Christ, to the extent that most of us ignore or disregard the long heritage of counsel and example from our forebears in the faith.

This is a condition much to be deplored.

We are but the latest link in a chain of belief and practice that stretches all the way back to Abraham, Noah, and Adam, with an abundance of faithful witnesses linked up in between. No, we cannot read every work of every Church father, theologian, or reformer. Even if we did, we would not be required to agree with everything they have said.

But there is real wisdom to be gained in placing ourselves under the direction of a few trusted advisors from the history of the Church. I find many aspects of the period of Celtic Christianity to be silly, distracting, and even a little absurd. But these do not outweigh the sound instruction, spiritual insight, and reliable examples that are to be discovered among the primary and secondary literature of this period.

You may not gravitate to our Celtic fathers as earnestly as I, but there are many other epochs of Church history, each with its own valuable and devout sages, from which you might draw strength for following Jesus in our time.

Our forebears have faithfully recorded and handed down their views, experiences, insights, and conclusions on a great many matters of significance for our day. Let us not be so foolish as to discredit their advice through ignorance, neglect, or willful refusal to be taught.

Search out the ancient writers, and let them shed fresh light on your daily struggles and opportunities. After all, were it not for them, you and I would not have the Gospel today. Let us learn from our forebears, as much as we can, and let us be faithful in handing their gifts on to the generation that succeeds us.

Psalm 78.1-5 (Foundation: “How Firm a Foundation”)
Give ear, O my people, attend to my word, dark sayings and parables sent from the Lord,
Things we have before by our fathers been told, which we would not dare from our children withhold.

The glorious deeds of our God in His might, and all of the works He has done in our sight,
Together with all of the words of His Law, would we on ourselves and our children bestow.

Thank You, Lord, for those who have gone before, faithfully blazing the trail I walk each day.

At The Fellowship of Ailbe
Why not forward today’s Crosfigell to a friend, and encourage that friend to subscribe to these thrice-weekly meditations? Consider it an early Christmas gift. We want to see The Ailbe Community continue to increase, so that we can encourage, exhort, and instruct more folks like you to engage the heritage of our Celtic Christian forebears and to grow in your faith and service to the Lord. Thanks for sharing with us in this ministry. Your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe at this time will be greatly appreciated. Use the donate button here or at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler, Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452. Have a blessed Advent season!

T. M. Moore, Principal
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.