Jan 3 Fintugh and Fintan 6th c

Thom and Jack
Good Morning, I love you

It is possible that two brothers, boys of the same father, can each/both grow up to become saints. Regardless of the burdens of their parentage or the trials of their lives, regardless of their sibling rivalries and brotherly affections, you are called to be saints and saints you can become. You are the world’s best brothers. If Fintugh and Fintan are saints, so too can you become.


January 3
The brothers Fintugh and Fintan 6th c


Fintugh

They began in the same place: probably in the same house, near the same creek, along side the same field. They probably grew up together, these two boys. So much alike and uniquely their own person. One very likely took more after his mother, the other his father. We don’t know. Let’s assume that the seeds of their vocations were planted by the Spirit and nurtured by their parents. They heard the call. Each in his unique way, grew up, hit the road to follow the voice.

Fintugh went to Scotland. It is often the case that a boyman must leave home, hometown, homecountry to become whom he is called to be. If you hear the voice calling from across the street, look both ways then run like hell to find the source.

Fintugh trained in Scotland as a disciple of St Columba. Go to the ends of the earth to study under the best, goodest person you can find who will have you. If numero uno won’t have you, do everything necessary to make it impossible for number one to resist your supplications.

Fintugh, a man of changed heart and fiery spirit did the most courageous thing. He returned to his homeland. You can’t go home again. You can’t step into the same river twice (or once). But you may return a new man and bring the conversion of heart to others. Fintugh returned to Ireland.

With the training of St Columba under his belt, with the will to walk again the long way of the Lord, Fintugh returned to Ireland to become abbot of a monastery in County Diefy.



Fintan took another road. Fintan chose St Comgall to study under. Rather, I think it would be more accurate that Comgall selected Fintan to be his disciple. To learn. To practice. To bring Christ and Christianity to the people of Ireland. When the big cahuna picks you out of the crowd, don’t blink, don’t ask ‘who me?’ be brave and answer here I am Lord, your servant.

Fintan returned to Doon in Limerick. He was abbot at the monastery there. He is now the patron saint of Doon. Do your best and do good. Serve and lead. Be the abbot in the monasteries of your life. Be the patron for your family, for your community: the patron who brings everyone along on your walk with God.

I love you,
Dad
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