CHAPTER 28: How he predicted his own death to Hereberht the hermit
CHAPTER 28
How he predicted his own death to Hereberht the hermit
SHORTLY afterwards he was invited to Carlisle to ordain some deacons to the priesthood and to give the religious habit with his blessing to the queen. There was a holy priest called Hereberht, long bound to Cuthbert in spiritual friendship, living the hermit’s life on an island in that great lake from which the River Derwent flows. He used to come to Cuthbert every year to take counsel about his eternal salvation. Hearing that he was staying at Carlisle, Hereberht came to him, seeking, as usual, to be fired with an ever-increasing love for the things of Heaven. While they were regaling each other with draughts of celestial wisdom Cuthbert said casually: ‘Remember, brother Hereberht, to ask me now whatever you need to ask. This is the last time we shall see each other with the eyes of the flesh, for I know the time is at hand when I must lay aside my earthly tabernacle; the time of my departure is nigh.’
Hereberht flung himself at his feet and sobbed.
‘In the Lord’s name, do not leave me. Think of your friend and ask the Divine Mercy to grant that, as we have served Him together on earth, so we may journey forth together to see His glory in Heaven. You know I have always striven to follow your commands, and whenever ignorance or human frailty has led me astray I have always chastised myself as you judged fit.’
The bishop prayed fervently and was immediately given to know that his prayer was answered.
‘Rise up, brother; do not weep. Rejoice and be glad, for the Divine Mercy has granted our prayer.’
This was borne out by the course of events. Hereberht departed, and they saw each other on earth no more, but their souls left their bodies at one and the same moment and were soon carried to the celestial kingdom by an angel host, to be united with each other in the beatific vision. Hereberht’s death was preceded by a long racking illness, inflicted perhaps by God in His mercy, to make sure that, if previously he had lagged behind Cuthbert in merit, he might now be made equal to his intercessor through suffering and so deserve to depart this life with him at the same time and be received into the same eternal bliss.