(c.542-c.601) David was born to Welsh royalty and became a priest. He was a well-known preacher and founded monasteries in Wales, Dumnonia, and Brittany. His fellow monks elected him as archbishop of Caerleon for his eloquence in opposing Pelagianism, a heresy that denied original sin and posited that humans earn their salvation and perfection through their own will rather than through grace. David was the uncle of King Arthur.
Thinking that we can earn God’s favor if we just do enough or do things the right way is one example of how the Pelagian heresy has crept into today’s culture. God already loves you infinitely. How we act is for our own benefit and that of our neighbor. We need God’s grace to move towards our perfection. How have you surrendered to His Power?
“Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about” (Saint David of Wales).
Reflection by Brad Farmer