Very little is known about Bilifrith, except that he was a hermit (perhaps on Lindisfarne) and he is credited with ‘adorning the Lindisfarne Gospels with gold, silver and gems on the binding.’ This was a very skilled task which would have taken great dedication and patience. It was done to present the Gospels in glorious splendour to the glory of God, and to honour the memory of Cuthbert (see March 20th).
We would do all our work, dear Lord, to bring glory to Your name. Sometimes our work is hard and takes a great deal of time; grant us patience, skill, and a sense of Your presence in the heart of the work. Teach us to recognise when to leave the work on one side and be quiet with You, for You to refresh us and send us back to work with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Amen.