Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

I'm Sheridan Boise and I've called today's reading, Greatness.

Cuthbert is a much-loved figure in Northern England.

Responsible for evangelising much of the area in the 7th century, Cuthbert counselled monarchs and influenced state affairs,

and after his death, the city of Durham was built in his honour.

But Cuthbert's legacy is great in more ways than these.

After a plague ravaged the region,

Cuthbert once toured affected towns, offering solos.

Readying to leave one village, he checked if there was anyone left to pray for.

There was, a woman, clutching a child.

She had already lost one son, and the child she held was now nearing death too.

Cuthbert took the fevered boy in his arms, prayed

for him, and kissed his forehead. Do not fear, he told her, for no one else of your household

will die. The boy reportedly lived. Jesus once took a small boy into his arms to give a lesson

on greatness, saying in Mark

Chapter 9, whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.

To welcome someone in Jewish culture meant to serve them, the way a host welcomes a guest.

Since children were to serve adults and not be served, the idea must have

been shocking. Jesus' point? True greatness resides in serving the smallest and lowliest.

A counsellor to monarchs, an influencer of history, a city built in his honour. But perhaps

heaven records Cuthbert's legacy more like this.

A mother noticed, a forehead kissed.

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