Happy Saint David’s Day! I must admit, the day snuck up on me. But why not enjoy some Welsh rarebit and celebrate a holy day dedicated to the saint whose name I share?

St. David lived in Wales, grew to fame as a teacher among Celtic Christians, and helped found about 1200 monasteries. He died March 1, 589. Here’s his final words to a community of monks, men he mentored in the faith:

Brothers be ye constant. The yoke which with single mind ye have taken, bear ye to the end; and whatsoever ye have seen with me and heard, keep and fulfill.

David’s words remind me of another saint’s final charge to to a young protege. Paul wrote to Timothy, in his last letter before his death, words of promise and encouragement, including this mandate:

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

In other words, be ye constant.

This ancient saint’s death song echoes down fourteen hundred years, boosting my spirit on this day. Fulfill the work, keep the faith to the end, and ever be ye constant.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible in 2023