Chad of Litchfield 2 March 672

One of the most pernicious sins that plague all our lives as well  as the life of the Church is Pride, putting oneself above others.  Chad, Bishop of Litchfield was one of the followers of Christ who was able to live out His command think of others before oneself. 

Saint Chad of Mercia (the midlands area of England) was, along  with his brothers, a humble monk and priest in 7th century  England. As we understand it, when he was young Chad was a student of St. Aidan at the Celtic monastery at Lindisfarne. He traveled to Ireland as a monk, and there he was ordained as a priest. After his exemplary life, he was called to the Archiepiscopal See of York, but controversy in the Church over Celtic customs (see Synod of Whitby) made him decide to step aside rather than cause further contention in the Church.

Imagine that, if you will. A modern American Christian big shot, stepping down out of a lucrative ministry just because he did not want to cause further strife in the Church.  It is almost unthinkable these days.

Chad was later consecrated Bishop of Litchfield (first bishop of Mercia and Lindsey). There he traveled about as he had when Archbishop of York, always on foot (until the Archbishop of Canterbury ordered him to ride a horse he gave him), preaching and teaching wherever he went. He wanted to walk to be like Jesus in His ministry. He served there for only two and a half years before his death (March 2, 672), but he made such a deep impression on the people of his diocese that for years, they dug wells and put Chad's name on them. The idea was that thirsty travelers would find these wells and be able to drink freely and remember Chad's name with thankfulness.

Almighty God, Whose servant Chad, for the peace of the Church,  relinquished cheerfully the honors that had been thrust upon him,  only to be rewarded with equal responsibility: Keep us, we pray,  from thinking of ourselves more highly than we ought to think,  and ready at all times to step aside for others, (in honor  preferring one another,) that the cause of Christ may be  advanced; in the name of Him who washed His disciples' feet, your  Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the  Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Comments

[Lorna]

Thank you.

made him decide to step aside rather than cause further contention in the Church. spoke to me. a lot.