Fr Richard's words for the optional memorial of St Columba
Readings: https://universalis.com/20200609/mass.htm
Prophecy and light
Elijah is so close to the Lord that he completely trusts in His Providence. As we see in today's reading, he knows that God will come to his aid and also provide food for the poor widow of Zarephath and her son. Elijah prophesies God will not allow the meal or the oil the woman has left to run out.
St Columba, who we celebrate today, similarly had a deep personal relationship with the Lord and was also given the gift of prophecy. He prophesied, for instance, that King Oswald of Northumbria would win a battle (against the Welsh) and that the people of England would be converted and receive baptism. The victory occurred and it led to pagan England turning back to Christianity.
St Columba truly "shone out in the sight of men" as Jesus exhorts the disciples to do in today's Gospel. His good works of bringing the Christian faith to our Isles; performing miraculous powers (such as subduing wild beasts and calming storms); his founding of monasteries in Ireland and, most famously, on the island of Iona; and his spiritual guidance - all these resulted in many people giving "praise to [our] Father in heaven.
Asking for St Columba's prayers, my we too become the" salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" for the people of our day.
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