Saint Brigid of Kildare is one of the three patron saints of Ireland (along with St. Patrick and St. Columba). According to the records, she lived in the 5th century, and was an abbess that developed “double” monasteries that included both men and women. She was known for her care for the poor, and many of the stories of her life are associated with some nearby lepers and beggars. In one instance, she was visiting with them and discovered that they had no beer (in a time when clean drinking water was not readily available, beer was the main source of hydration for many!), and is reported to have miraculously turned their bathwater into drinkable beer. Many of the other miracles associated with her involve healing and provision for the poor. Even though she took vows of chastity (sometimes maintaining them via miraculous intervention, when someone would attempt to woo and wed her—or one of her nuns!), she is known as the “Mother Saint of Ireland.” Her care for the “least of these” (including providing barrels of beer!) made her mother to a nation. How have you been unexpectedly mothered/cared for in your life? What, like the making of the beer, would someone not necessarily recognize as typical nurture, but met you exactly where you needed it? Or, how have you been a part of “mothering”/caring for others (whatever your gender, marital status, etc.)? How do these littler pieces of the story of Brigid’s life inspire you to let yourself care and be cared for in…unusual…ways? What might you be invited to this very day? How might God be wanting to care for another through you (even if it doesn’t involve a miracle), or you through another?

Posted by Jamie Bonilla at 2022-05-27 14:43:10 UTC