St Cuthbert ( 634 – 687) was a saint of the early Northumbrian church. He was a monk, bishop and hermit, associated with the monasteries of Melrose and Lindisfarne in the North East of England. In 684 he was made bishop of Lindisfarne but by late 686 resigned and returned to his hermitage as he felt he was about to die, although he was probably only in his early 50s. Cuthbert is regarded as the patron saint of northern England.

Reflection: John presents two types of humanity, that is, one from above and one from below. Those from below do not understand the language of faith but they are busy with the worldly language of materialism. But Jesus wants us to have the language from above and that is his intimate relationship ship with God the father. If we are intimate with our selfish and worldly nature, then one cannot understand the language of relationships with God the Father. Solitude can be the source, the spring, the fountain and the gate to enter into intimate relationship with Jesus. Do you busy yourselves in His Presence? Or Do you busy yourselves in the worldly affairs?