‘Do the little things in life’ (‘Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd’) is a very common Welsh phrase, and one that has stood many in good stead. It originates in the words of their Patron, Dewi Sant, St David, whose feast we celebrate today.
In contrast to the other patron saints of the British Isles, we have quite an amount of information about the life of St David. This is largely due to the work of Rhygyfarch. He encouraged a life of great asceticism: the Monastic Rule of David insists that monks pull the plough themselves without draught animals; to drink only water; to eat only bread with salt and herbs; and to spend the evenings in prayer, reading and writing. Without possessions, they are to life a simple life for the glory of God.
Tradition and legend holds that David lived for over 100 years, dying on Tuesday 1 March, around the year 590. The monastery is said to have been ‘filled with angels as Christ received his soul’. His last words to his followers were in a sermon on the previous Sunday. Rhygyfarch transcribes these as ‘Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed. Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I will walk the path that our fathers have trod before us.’
As we journey towards Easter, we are grateful for the example of David. May his teachings on the little steps to heaven bring us also to share with him the same glory.
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