A monk and priest of Ripon, Ethilwald (or Ethelwald) succeeded Cuthbert at the hermitage on Inner Farne in 687. The island was known as a place where people of virtue were created. In this ‘desert place’ temptations inevitably came from the devil, greatly increased by the poverty of the island and the cold of the sea around. The waves were constantly in conflict with the hermit and his surroundings, and those who stayed there battled with cold and fear. Ethilwald remained there without leaving for 12 years until his death. Many people sought him and his wisdom. Three monks from Lindisfarne who visited him received his blessing and then set off on their journey back. The weather suddenly changed and a ferocious storm rose up. They struggled against the wind and waves for a long time, and then looked back to see if there could be any way of returning to Inner Farne. They saw in the distance Ethilwald come out of his cell to watch their progress. When he saw them struggling he fell to his knees in distress and despair, and begged the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ to grant them safety. As soon as he ended his prayer, the raging sea grew calm, the storm lessened all around and a following wind carried their boat over the sea to land. As soon as they reached safety, dragging the boat out of the water, the wind blew strong again and continued for the rest of the day. They praised God for answering Ethilwald’s prayer and giving them that short interval of calm by His mercy. On his death Ethilwald was replaced by Felgild, and Cuthbert’s work of prayer and warfare continued…
God of mercy and power, help us never to underestimate the strength of the devil and his temptations, but to rely only on You and the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus for our sakes. Keep us faithful in prayer for ourselves, and also for our brothers and sisters who struggle against the storms and testings of life. By Your mercy, grant us an interval of peace that will ensure our safe-keeping in You. Amen.