Today is the feast day of St. Brigid of Kildare. I can feel her flame burning in my heart and the warmth of my dear friend’s embrace as we stand on the holy ground of Brigid’s well. St. Brigid of fire and water, you are a kindred spirit kindling the flame. My flame of passion and fire burn strong. A passion for life and living it to the fullest - not just watching the days go by, but truly embracing them.Certainly there are times when my flame simmers rather than blazes. A time of tending in the night as when the Celtic women put their fire to rest – minding the fire so it could and would be rekindled at the break of day. How do I tend my fire? Today with an early rising – allowing time and space. (A fire needs space to breathe, or it suffocates when the wood is packed too closely.) A hot shower and steaming coffee warm me inside and out. The lamp’s glow illuminates my surroundings. And in my heart, I hold warm memories of standing at Kildare with the spirit of dear St. Brigid.
“May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine upon you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come and warm himself/herself at it, and also a friend. And may the light shine out of the eyes of you, like a candle set in the windows of a house, bidding the wanderer to come in out of the storm.” --Irish Blessing
Peace be with you on this feast day of St. Brigid of Kildare. May the fire in your own heart be illumined and warmed today and always.
© St. Brigid - 2009
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4 comments:
A lovely tribute to Brigid. It gives me much to think about.
I characterize myself as a syncopated monk, out of wonk with the usual rhthyms. I yearn for the rising early discipline you describe. Not so easy when you are by yourself and your kitties encourage you with midmorning cuddles in bed.
So many excuses! I need some of Brigid's fire to be my source of light and energy in these coldest months of the year.
I too feel Brigid as a kindred spirit, and you have done her justice here, poetic and otherwise.
I really miss having a woodstove, and being able to daily literally tend a fire. At least I have a gas stove and lots of candles!
Thank you for the beautiful blessing.
barbara - i think those kitty snuggles sound like a great source of warmth and the perfect place to be on these cold winter mornings!!
love to you and the boys!
polli - thanks for the shout out. i have to make do with candles and find the one thing i miss in this old house i love dearly is the absence of a fireplace!!
brigid rocks!!
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