Lord Wallace encourages readers to walk the way of Jesus.

I WELL recall, on being nominated Moderator-Designate, that I was presented with a list of potential engagements to consider for my twelve months in office.

One potential diary date which caught my eye was a service in Kirkwall’s East Kirk to mark the final destination of the Northern Pilgrims’ Way linking a celebration of St Duthac in Tain with a celebration of St Magnus in Orkney.

I readily agreed. Not only could I reflect on St Magnus, but there was the prospect of being at home for a few days! On August 20 an ecumenical service duly took place, involving Baptist, Roman Catholic, URC, Scottish Episcopal Church, Salvation Army, Orkney Life Centre as well as Church of Scotland participants. It was a service of praise, prayer, poetry, readings, thoughts on pilgrimage and reflection on St Magnus.

The Orkneyinga Saga is a medieval chronicle of the history of Orkney and Shetland spanning several centuries. At times gory, it describes political machinations which make today’s political intrigue seem like kids’ stuff. A key part of the work relates to the life, death and subsequent canonisation of Magnus Erlendson.

In one story, we are told that at the battle of the Menai Straits, Magnus defied the Norwegian king and refused to take up arms against those “with whom he had no quarrel”. Rather, he openly stood on deck singing psalms and remaining unscathed.

Years later, he and his cousin, Hakon, ruled Orkney jointly. Tensions, rivalry, and disputes grew and a peace conference was scheduled for Easter Monday on the island of Egilsay. As agreed, Magnus arrived with only two ships, but Hakon approached with seven or eight large ships, filled with well-armed men.

Three proposals involving Magnus’ exile were rejected and Magnus faced execution. He instructed his executioner, Hakon’s butcher, “hit me hard on the head, for it is not fitting for a chief to be beheaded like a thief.” 800 years later, the skull found during renovation work, within a pillar of St Magnus Cathedral, founded by his nephew, Rognvald, bore evidence of such a fatal blow.

Through a lens of 900 years, it is difficult to discern motives. Was Magnus naïve in keeping his side of the agreement or did he all along suspect that Hakon would overwhelm him and that it was in the interests of the common weal of the Isles and its people, for him to be removed – even the possibility of the ultimate sacrifice?

By all accounts Hakon ruled well and Orkney prospered in the ensuing tranquil years.

Through the ages Magnus has been a source of inspiration to countless generations in Orkney, Shetland, Caithness and beyond. The cathedral which bears his name has been and is for many an oasis of great spiritual solace, renewal, and encouragement.

It was in St Magnus Cathedral on Easter Sunday 2017 (which also happened to be St Magnus Day and believed to the 900th anniversary of his death), that I listened to the former minister, Ron Ferguson, deliver a sermon in which he drew some parallels between the crucifixion story and Egilsay 1117.

Through the ages Magnus has been a source of inspiration to countless generations in Orkney, Shetland, Caithness and beyond.

I particularly recall Ron recounting the arrest of Jesus. Peter draws his sword and strikes the high priest’s servant. But Jesus tells Peter to put away his sword, and says: “Those who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

Jesus is saying there must be a better way.

The Saga tells us that seeing the approach of Hakon’s ships, Magnus refuses his men’s offer to defend him with weapons. Magnus is saying there is a better way.

And I am reminded that Jesus said: “I am the Way”. Not for nothing were the early Christians called “People of the Way”.

As we think of the story of Magnus, may we be encouraged today to walk the better way, the way of Jesus. ¤

Lord Jim Wallace of Tankerness is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2021/22.