June 23.—ST. ETHELDREDA, Abbess.
BORN and brought up in the fear of God—her mother and three
sisters are numbered among the Saints—Etheldreda had but one aim in life, to
devote herself to His service in the religious state. Her parents, however, had
other views for her, and, in spite of her tears and prayers, she was compelled
to become the wife of Tonbercht, a tributary of the Mercian king. She lived
with him as a virgin for three years, and at his death retired to the isle of
Ely, that she might apply herself wholly to heavenly things. This happiness was
but short-lived; for Egfrid, the powerful King of Northumbria, pressed his suit
upon her with such eagerness that she was forced into a second marriage.
Her life at his court was that of an
ascetic rather than a queen: she lived with him not as a wife but as a sister,
and, observing a scrupulous regularity of discipline, devoted her time to works
of mercy and love. After twelve years, she retired with her husband's consent
to Coldingham Abbey, which was then under the rule of St. Ebba, and received
the veil from the hands of St. Wilfrid. As soon as Etheldreda had left the
court of her husband, he repented of having consented to her departure, and
followed her, meaning to bring her back by force.
She took refuge on a headland
on the coast near Coldingham; and here a miracle took place, for the waters
forced themselves a passage round the hill, barring the further advance of
Egfrid. The Saint remained on this island refuge for seven days, till the king,
recognizing the divine will, agreed to leave her in peace. God, Who by a
miracle confirmed the Saint's vocation, will not fail us if, with a single
heart, we elect for Him. In 672 she returned to Ely, and founded there a double
monastery. The nunnery she governed herself, and was by her example a living
rule of perfection to her sisters. Some time after her death, in 679, her body
was found incorrupt, and St. Bede records many miracles worked by her relics.
Reflection—The soul cannot truly serve God while it is
involved in the distractions and pleasures of the world. Etheldreda knew this,
and chose rather to be a servant of Christ her Lord than the mistress of an
earthly court. Resolve, in whatever status you are, to live absolutely detached
from the world, and to separate yourself as much as possible from it.
Above from: Sacred Texts.com
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