By this 5th century CE time period, Celtic people had already given up their warrior lifestyle for literary, and were attempting to educate warrior tribes that were entering their lands. But, far too many Anglo-Saxons were coming into land and there intent was to conquer rather than be proselytized. These invading tribes learned what Celts had to teach them very well (thus became proselytized, nevertheless) and, then, used this very teaching for their crusades against Israel, Spain and, ultimately, (being unsuccessful with those campaigns) against Ireland (unfortunately, they devasted Celts and turned them into slaves). To this very day, Irish and Scottish people are fighting for their independence from Anglo-Saxons, and it doesn't help that Irish are still having inter-tribal conflicts like there ancestors of so many centuries before (protestants versus catholics, this is what they call it now). And, then came modern plague that nearly wiped out Gaelic speaking Irish natives of Ireland (@ 19 CE). But, fortunately for world Celtic culture is on rebound, history is being remembered, and native languages are still being spoken and taught (they now have schools for this purpose in Ireland).

This begs question: Why do some stories move us to ponder while others bore us to tears? I believe it is because something deep inside of every person cries out, “Who can step up to help me?” I believe there is a deep hole in every living person that can only be filled up by One who created and wants to help us. When I read a story such as Gordon’s, I see incomprehensible love of God for His pitiful creature—me.

I stand in amazement at Jesus Nazarene, so goes old holiness hymn of my youth. You and I were made to ponder great love of our God. In pondering we are broken. In contrition we are by His hands lifted. Being lifted we are helped to deliverance. He has delivered my soul from fear of abandonment. Jesus has come to me and helped me. Therefore I am satisfied. Yes, I am satisfied with Jesus—how about you? Pastor T.