Humble people never achieve anything - St Hugh of Lincoln

Last week we celebrated the feast day of St Hugh of Lincoln.  Born around 1140 in France, he joined the Carthusian Order, an order dedicated to contemplating the Love of God in secluded monastaries, called in English 'Charterhouses.'

 

Hugh in Carthusian habit

He came to England in 1179.  Henry II, as part of his penance for the murder of Thomas a Becket, had founded a Charterhouse at Witham in Somerset, but the new foundation was failing.  Henry, hearing of Hugh's piety, sent an embassy to the Carthusian Order, who reluctantly let Hugh go.

In September 1186, Hugh was consecrated Bishop of Lincoln.  Remarkably, he refused to accept the appointment until he had first asked the people of the city whether they would accept him as their bishop.  In the words of Br Damian, 'Now, that's the stuff that saints are made of.'

Apart from his major reconstruction of Lincoln Cathedral, Hugh was famed for his openness, humility and gentleness.  He delighted in playing with children in the street and loved animals, keeping a tame swan which would become his symbol.  Hugh was almost unique for his day in ensuring that the lepers of Lincoln were well cared for, and also that the city's Jews were saved from persecution.  How many of us would dare stare down an angry mob as the most hated people of the day took refuge in front of the city's Cathedral?

The banner of Hugh in Lincoln Cathedral, showing

his humility and his swan as well as the Cathedral he rebuilt.

The motto of the Carthusian order is "stat crux dum volvitur orbis" (the cross stands firm while the world turns).  Hugh was rare amongst medieval bishops in managing to live this out.  He served under three kings - King Henry II, King Richard I and King John - and was listened to by all of them.  He was so respected that King John was one of his pall-bearers at his funeral, an honour not shown to any other English bishop.

A French Carthusian image of Hugh, showing his humble Carthusian robes underneath those of a Bishop.  Hugh's gaze is set on Christ, represented in the cup of the Eucharist.

Many people think that trying to live out a truly Christian life will make one powerless to influence the world for the better.  How can a humble person change anything?  Hugh shows us the respect that can be gained by someone who honestly bears the marks of Christ in their daily life and honestly bears witness to His love to all they meet.

Lord, grant that we may follow the example of your servant Hugh,
to bear witness to your love in our hearts,
in protecting the hated,
in caring for the helpless,
in cherishing the simple,
and in standing firm in our witness of your love for all,
through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen .