Saint Cuthbert's Eagle
by The Venerable Bede (Adapted)
Once upon a time, the good Saint Cuthbert of
Lindesfarne, went forth from his monastery to
preach to the poor. He took with him a young
lad as his only attendant. Together they walked
along the dusty way. The heat of the noonday
sun beat upon their heads, and fatigue overcame
them.
``Son,'' said Saint Cuthbert, ``do you know
any one on the road, whom we may ask for food
and a place in which to rest?''
"I was just thinking the same thing," answered
the lad, "but I know nobody on the road who will
entertain us. Alas! why did we not bring along
provisions? How can we proceed on our long
journey without them?"
"My son," answered the saint, "learn
to have
trust in God, who never will suffer those to perish
of hunger who believe in Him."
Then looking up and seeing an
eagle flying in the air, he added, "Do you see the
eagle yonder? It is possible for God to feed us by means
of this bird."
While they were talking thus, they came to a
river, and, lo! the eagle stood on the bank.
"Son," said Saint Cuthbert, "run
and see what
provision God has made for us by his handmaid
the bird."
The lad ran, and found a good-sized fish that
the eagle had just caught. This he brought to the
saint.
"What have you done?" exclaimed the good
man, "why have you not given a part to God's
handmaid? Cut the fish in two pieces, and give
her one, as her service well deserves."
The lad did as he was bidden, and the eagle,
taking the half fish in her beak, flew away.
Then entering a neighboring village, Saint
Cuthbert gave the other half to a peasant to cook,
and while the lad and the villagers feasted, the
good saint preached to them the Word of God
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