Boisil was the Prior of Melrose Abbey and welcomed Cuthbert (see March 20th) as a novice. On first meeting Cuthbert he exclaimed, ‘Behold the servant of the Lord!’ Cuthbert became Boisil’s pupil. The Venerable Bede (see May 26th) wrote of Boisil, ‘He was a priest of great virtue and prophetic spirit.’ This shows Boisil’s recognition that God’s hand would be powerfully upon Cuthbert. Whilst dying of the plague, Boisil prophesied that God wished Cuthbert to be a bishop one day.
We praise You, our God, for Your gift of discerning and prophetic followers of Christ. Help us to recognise their gift and work with them for the purposes of Your Kingdom of love and grace. Amen.