Hugh of Lincoln
Faithful reader, you undoubtedly know by now that my wife, infant (at the time) son, and I had the good fortune of spending a year in Lincolnshire, England after seminary, through the British-American Ministry Program of The Methodist Church. One of our favorite things to do on days off would be to drive the 45 minutes through the beautifully pastoral countryside to the city of Lincoln, park at a local Methodist church, and walk about the city: down Steep Hill shopping, viewing the Magna Carta at the Castle, and–most often–spending time in the Cathedral.
We learned a lot just by visiting this most exquisite of English cathedrals (we were regulars at evensong!), but what made the most impression on me was the story of Hugh of Lincoln, whose feast day is today (November 17). Hugh had a reputation as a scholarly yet no-nonsense monastic leader with sharp administrative acumen & a prayer-filled life. He was unafraid to laugh or to gently challenge his friend, King Henry II. Stepping into the episcopacy at Lincoln–a post vacant for 18 years–a year after the earthquake of 1185 destroyed the cathedral, he brought all of his considerable gifts to bear on a challenging diocese (the largest geographically in England at the time). He recruited clergy who were wise and deep, jump-started the rebuilding of the cathedral in the new Gothic style (which he reputedly labored on himself), and establishing schools.
He opposed kings Henry II, Richard I, and John (and lesser officials) when needed, and was unafraid to risk his life by standing up for Jews threatened by proliferating anti-Semitic mobs rioting in Lincoln and elsewhere. These courageous acts of justice made a defender of the marginalized & oppressed beloved by people all around England: at the time of the Reformation, he was the most beloved saint other than Thomas Becket.
Hugh was not just a friend to the people of Lincoln, but is remembered as a lover of children & animals, especially the swan that followed him around at the cathedral & the episcopal residence outside the city. He laid the foundation for the diocese’s strength in education that later bishop & saint Robert Grossteste (literally “big head” in French) built on. Robert (whose feast is also observed today), like Hugh before him, defended the poor & weak from the abuses of the strong, and revitalized the churches & clergy. Lincoln is known for having some of the most beautiful countryside, most beautiful churches, and most beautiful faith, thanks in no small part to Hugh and Robert.
May we be gripped so tightly by the same sharp humor, eye for detail, grace to labor, and spirit of justice:
O God,
who endowed your servant Hugh
with a wise and cheerful boldness
and taught him to commend to earthly rulers the discipline of a holy life:
give us grace like him to be bold in the service of the gospel,
putting our confidence in Christ alone,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Want to know more about Hugh of Lincoln? My own sources include James Kiefer’s biographic sketch, Wikipedia’s article, the Lincoln Cathedral guidebook (2001), and reflections in The Spiritual Traveler (pp 120-22).
