大象传媒

Good morning and a happy St David鈥檚 Day!

All over Wales and beyond people with a Welsh connection will be remembering St David. Although there鈥檚 not much reliable information about this sixth century saint he鈥檚 important enough that he鈥檚 become a national symbol with large numbers of churches, clubs, schools and hospitals named after him.

Many Welsh churches have a stained-glass window featuring David. He鈥檚 often pictured with a bird on his shoulder which is a sign of God鈥檚 Holy Spirit, by whose power he鈥檚 said to have been a successful preacher. According to tradition, David attracted a keen following and set a strong example living out his faith with integrity and discipline seeking to help the poor.

One of the things I enjoy about stained-glass windows is the way that they depict holy people as those through whom a beautiful light is perceived.聽 Just as the windows are lit by the bright light of the sun, so the lives and characters of the saints reflect and point beyond themselves to the glory of their creator.

The simplicity of St David鈥檚 faith is summed up in the three short messages that are remembered from the last words he鈥檚 believed to have said to the community that formed around him: 鈥淏e joyful, keep the faith and do the little things.鈥� This is an encouraging message. It is by attending to small things that we might find hope to grow in faith and goodness聽 and to discover ways to play our part in bringing light and happiness to others.

God of hope, thank you for St David and for all who鈥檝e been beacons of grace in our history.聽 Help us to be encouraged by the example of the saints. Inspire us to seek small opportunities each day to make a positive difference in your world. Amen.